US and Canadian Law Makers want IMF loan linked to human rights

US and Canadian law makers have called for Sri Lanka’s request for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan to be linked to unimpeded access to refugee camps and adherence international human rights rules.

The north American politicians calls comes amidst an announcement by IMF that a loan accord has been agreed with Sri Lanka and the Executive Board of the organisation will meet on Friday July 24 to approve it.

US democratic senator Patrick Leahy, from Vermont, has introduced language into the soon to be passed Appropriations bill requiring the US Treasury Secretary to instruct the US Executive Directors of international financial institutions to vote against any loan, agreement, or other financial support for Sri Lanka except to meet basic human needs, unless the Secretary of State certifies to the Committees on Appropriations that the Sri Lankan government is meeting the requirements of humanitarian conditions demanded by the US.

The language inserted in the Department of State Appropriations bill S.1434, has virtually blocked U.S. Treasury Secretary from authorizing the projected $1.9B IMF loan to Sri Lanka, unless Hilary Clinton certifies that Sri Lanka "is treating internally displaced persons in accordance with international standards, including by guaranteeing their freedom of movement, providing access to conflict-affected areas and populations by humanitarian organizations and journalists, and accounting for persons detained in the conflict," and Sri Lanka is promoting "reconciliation and justice including devolution of power to provincial councils in the north and east as provided for in the Constitution of Sri Lanka."

Senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, reported the original bill which was read twice and placed on the calendar.

The bill makes appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Party in Canada has said that conditions need to be strictly applied to any potential loan to Sri Lanka from the International Monetary Fund, based on humanitarian concerns, the proper treatment of internally displaced persons and a restoration of peace and security to the country.

“We must be responsible in our economic assistance to Sri Lanka,” said Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Bob Rae.

“The government of Sri Lanka cannot expect massive economic assistance without paying full attention to their humanitarian obligations.

“The situation in Sri Lanka remains dire and requires international attention. Our efforts must be focused on helping those in need,” he said.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has stated a similar position, saying that any use of IMF money must be in an appropriate and responsible manner.

“The international community is in full agreement on this point,” said Mr. Rae.

“Canada should be a leader in calling for the responsible use of international financial loans and be a vital partner in ensuring that these conditions are met.”

It is also learnt that the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations has asked US State Department to submit a report on possible war crimes committed in Sri Lanka between January and May this year.

The model indictment document produced by Washington Attorney Bruce Fein, and the submittals to the District of Columbia District Court on Tamils Against Genocide (TAG's) legal action against IMF loan have also been forwarded to the Leahy committee, according to TAG officials.