http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/05/25/news01.asp

Int’l community warned against use of double standards on Rights :

Russian support for SL’s reconciliation process

*‘Using HR issues as political instrument unacceptable’

*‘Bilateral trade increased by 35% in first quarter of 2012’

The government of Sri Lanka deeply appreciates the invaluable support extended by the Russian Federation, for taking a principled position on the country’s specific action and voting against the Resolution on Sri Lanka moved at the recently concluded Human Rights (HRC) session in Geneva, said External Affairs Minister Prof. GL Peiris during his hour long meeting in Moscow yesterday with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. Minister Peiris is on a working visit to the Russian Federation at the invitation of Minister Lavrov.

Elaborating on the action through the HRC, Minister Peiris emphasised that while upholding the need to give adequate time for Sri Lanka’s domestic process of post

conflict reconciliation and an atmosphere bereft of external coercion, the position taken was a demonstration of the Russian government’s understanding of the related complexities. Minister Peiris emphasized the importance for local procedures which are based on the culture of the country and aspirations of the people to be implemented in the reconciliation process, thereby ensuring a home grown solution to the concerned issues.

Endorsing this position, Minister Lavrov stated since the promotion and protection of human rights are primarily the responsibility of the state, the international community should only assist if required by the country. He stated in the interest of the world at large the international community should desist from practising double standards, as it results in politicization of the issues. Foreign Minister Lavrov added the use of human rights issues as a political instrument is fundamentally unacceptable.

In this context the Russian Minister observed that there are no tutors and students, but that all countries are equal by virtue of the Charter of the United Nations and the universal values on human rights integrated in the traditions and cultures of countries. While pointing out that the Resolution on Sri Lanka was adopted by the Human Rights Council only by a single vote as majority, he expressed Russia’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s domestic process in terms of the LLRC and the recently established Military Courts of Inquiry.

At the outset, Minister Peiris said that his visit was taking place at a momentous juncture of the two countries’ historical ties, as this year marks 55 fruitful years of diplomatic relations. He recalled the visits of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Moscow and St. Petersburg during the last two years, being a demonstration of the importance attached to this bilateral relationship and having given a further impetus to concretize the multifaceted ties between Sri Lanka and Russia. The Minister congratulated Foreign Minister Lavrov on his re-appointment to the Cabinet of President Putin and wished him all success on this assignment.

Minister Peiris pointed out that following the end of the terrorist conflict and with the strengthened relations, a unique opportunity has arisen with abundant prospects for enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries.

He expressed the view that further strengthening of the economic relations is a priority in consolidating the traditional relations and therefore to this end business contacts must be pursued. It was noted by Minister Peiris with satisfaction that while bilateral trade has increased by 35% in the first quarter of 2012, the balance of trade in Sri Lanka’s favour had declined and therefore Russian enterprises should take initiatives in furthering business ventures with Sri Lankan counterparts. Areas for economic cooperation outlined included investment, transport projects, tourism infrastructure, irrigation, fisheries, agro based industries and hydro carbon engineering.

The strong interest of Gazprom was also noted for investment in projects relating to liquid gas, oil exploration for which two areas have been demarcated and hotels. Possible Russian initiatives with regard to facilitating tea exports from Sri Lanka were also discussed.

Minister Lavrov declared that, with the return of peace and stability to Sri Lanka, it is now timely to build upon the excellent bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation, in respect of political matters, and to impart to this relationship a stronger economic dimension. The proposal by Sri Lanka relating to the opening of a branch of the Bank of Ceylon in Moscow, he said, is currently receiving the active consideration of the Russian authorities.

Minister Lavrov expressed appreciation of the co-operation which Sri Lanka had consistently extended to the Russian Federation in international fora in respect of a wide range of issues including intellectual property rights, money laundering, combating terrorism and mutual assistance with regard to transnational law enforcement.