United Nations: Undeterred by Sri Lanka`s
opposition to his move to constitute a panel to advice him on
the alleged human rights violations during the civil war, UN
chief today defended his decision and made it clear it will
not infringe on the country`s sovereignty.
"I am convinced that it is well within my power as
Secretary-General of the United Nations to ask such a body to
furnish me with their advice of this nature. This does not in
any way infringe on the sovereignty of Sri Lanka," Ban told
journalists here.
Ban was responding to questions on a letter sent by
the Non-Aligned Movement that said setting up a panel amounted
to "selective targeting" and interference in the internal
affairs of a state.
Ban had last month proposed to set up a panel to
advice him on the alleged human rights violation during the
last phase of the civil war, triggering a strong reaction from
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa who rejected it.
Ban noted that the letter from NAM indicated "there is
a misunderstanding on the nature and purpose" of the experts`
panel.
"The panel I am establishing will advise me on the
standards, benchmarks and parameters, based on international
experience, that must guide any accountability process such as
the one mentioned in the joint statement," he said.
"Now this panel will report to me directly and not to
another body."
Ban said there would be "no delay" in establishing
such a panel.
PTI
