In a press statement issued following the APPGT/GTF parliamentary reception this week Chairman for the British All party parliamentary Group for Tamils , Lee Scott MP,said “the event was a great success, attended by over 40 Members of Parliament including Government Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Lords, representatives of NGOs and High Commissions”.
So far, 52 MP’s have signed the early day motion calling for an independent, international investigation. I know a lot of my colleagues would like to sign but haven’t done so because of Ministerial and other responsibilities”. Mr Scott said success of the event shows attention of the international community is firmly focused on the Government of Sri Lanka, following the documentary by Channel 4.
There will be no hiding place for the senior people in the Government of Sri Lanka. We will not stop until justice for the victims of war crimes is served, Mr Scott said.
Earlier speaking at the reception, Rt. Hon Alistair Burt reiterated his previous calls for, a credible investigation that satisfies the demands of the international community.
In a recent statement, Mr Burt said “If the Sri Lankan government does not respond we will support the international community in revisiting all options available to press the Sri Lankan Government to fulfil its obligations”.
The other speakers and participants include Hon Ed Davey the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills, Hon. Emma Reynolds MP, Shadow Minister for South Asia and former Foreign Secretary Rt. Hon. David Miliband. In a separate development, the European Conservative Foreign Policy Chief, Hon Charles Tannock (MEP), called for a “negotiated political solution which can achieve maximum autonomy and regional devolution to Tamil majority areas”.
Mr Tannock said “we are horrified by the events detailed in the Channel 4 documentary, and note the footage of summary execution of prisoners has been deemed authentic by the UN special rapporteur on extra judicial killings”. We call on the Government of Sri Lanka to positively respond to the panel including an international element to the inquiry Mr Tannock said.
Commenting on this new development, Mr Scott said that he very much welcomes this important statement by Mr Tannock and he will be working closely with Mr Tannock to ensure that there is proper EU wide coordination on this issue.
TC
