Canada reiterates threat of CHOGM boycott

by admin
Dec 1, 2012

The Canadian prime minister, Stephen Harper, will not attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) unless Sri Lanka's human rights situation improves, said the Canadian foreign minister's spokesperson, Chrystiane Roy, when speaking to the Sunday Leader.

Roy said,

“Prime Minister Harper has clearly stated that unless there is significant progress on political reconciliation, accountability and respect for human rights in Sri Lanka, he will not attend the CHOGM hosted by Sri Lanka in 2013,”

“Canada also notes the Secretary General’s comments and will work with the international community to ensure mistakes made in Sri Lanka are not repeated,”

Commenting on the impeachment of the Chief Justice, Roy said:

 

It speaks to broader issues of concern, including judicial independence. We are deeply troubled by recent reports of intimidation of judges in Sri Lanka, and reiterate the importance of judicial independence. This means ensuring that judges are allowed to conduct their work professionally, in accordance with the law, and without any form of political interference,”

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