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Ponniah Given the War Crime Charges Sunday, 1 November 2009 - 11:14 AM SL Time |  | |
Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka, now on a private visit to the United States, has been told to face a voluntary meeting with the Department of Homeland Security, prompting fears in Colombo that Washington is asserting its legal authority over the war crimes report released last week.
Reports reaching the highest levels of the Government say US Department of Homeland Security officials want to interview him on Wednesday (November 4) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Gen. Fonseka, who is a US Green Card holder, has a residence in Oklahoma. His visit is in connection with renewing his Green Card which affords him residency in the US. This is a prelude to US citizenship
He had already sought legal advice from Fred Fielding, a former White House Counsel to late Presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and former President George W. Bush. His lawyer had advised that the CDS should face the meeting and answer all questions truthfully.
Thereafter, according to highly-placed Government sources in Colombo, Sri Lanka`s Ambassador who learnt of the US move, mobilized lawyers from Patton Boggs, the law firm hired by the mission for lobbying and promotional work, to fly to Tulsa. Gen. Fonseka has agreed to drop lawyer Fielding from representing him and to retain the services of Patton Boggs.
It is not immediately clear whether Patton Boggs lawyers would advise Gen. Fonseka to claim diplomatic immunity and turn down the interview request or ask him to respond to questions from officials of the Department of Homeland Security. In fact, the involvement of the firm itself has become a knotty legal issue after it has been pointed out that it also represents the Government of Sri Lanka. Since Gen. Fonseka is a Green Card holder, and thus a prospective US citizen, there were concerns whether representation by Patton Boggs would also become another issue.
Sri Lankas Ambassador in the US, Jaliya Wickremasuriya has written to Robert Blake, Assistant Secretary in the State Department about this matter, seeking his assistance to resolve any issues involved. Heightening concerns is the possible US response if Gen. Fonseka claims diplomatic immunity and is refused. That is on the grounds that a prospective US citizen, a Green Card holder, is not covered by diplomatic immunity.
In such an event, questions are being raised whether the Department of Homeland Security would resort to Court action in the US to hold him for investigation for alleged human rights violations. Both US citizens and those aspiring to be citizens are governed by US laws and reported violations make them answerable to law enforcement agencies in that country.
The 68-page report from the US Department of State to the Congress on October 22 contains details of alleged atrocities by both the military and Tiger guerrillas during the final stages of the separatist war in May, this year. The report contains a reference to Gen. Fonseka. It says, A media outlet reported on July 18 that at a celebrity event in Ambalangoda, Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka stated that the military had to overlook the traditional rules of war and even kill LTTE rebels who came to surrender carrying white flags during the war against the LTTE.
General Fonseka and his wife Anoma left for US on October 23. Their visit was originally expected to be part official and part holiday. However, the official part of the visit which included an invitation to the US Pacific Command in Hawaii for farewell ceremonies to its commander Admiral Timothy J. Keating was later withdrawn. This was in the light of the release of the State Department report to the Congress. US authorities said it would not be tenable for Gen. Fonseka to be officially hosted at any event in the light of the report.
Last Monday, Gen. Fonseka and his wife took part in religious ceremonies at the Washington Buddhist Viharaya. A meeting that day with Robert Blake did not materialize reportedly on the grounds that the Assistant Secretary was ill. Later, Gen. Fonseka and his entourage flew to Oklahoma
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Sundaytimes |
chennaiguuy
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 1 Nov 2009 05:17:48 GMT Report for Abuse
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You can Fool Some Sometimes not everyone everytime !
Singlecelled Modayans who came to 'LIBERATE' tamils, had the audacity to hold them in Nazi Camps & are now feeling the heat...
The Only Option left for Fonseka is to get 'DIPLOMATIC IMPUNITY' in becoming President of SIlly Lanka ...
After all the Astrologer seems to be correct in saying that Silly Lanka problems will start from Oct Onwards...
:-)) |
RealKaruna
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 1 Nov 2009 05:20:41 GMT Report for Abuse
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In such an event, questions are being raised whether the Department of Homeland Security would resort to Court action in the US to hold him for investigation for alleged human rights violations. Both US citizens and those aspiring to be citizens are governed by US laws and reported violations make them answerable to law enforcement agencies in that country.
Fair is fair. If you want to live in that country, you should abide by its laws. |
VeerSingh
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1 Nov 2009 05:22:56 GMT Report for Abuse
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CG,
Ponniah Given the War Crime Charges
Will the war crime charges be applicable to those who smuggled in deadly weapons into country on the pretext of glorified struggle :))
Check you box later today. Bye for now!!
VS |
chennaiguuy
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1 Nov 2009 05:26:14 GMT Report for Abuse
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you want to live in that country, you should abide by its laws
Ponniah can now explore the option of Living in the Sinhalans NEW FRIENDS homes of China, Iran, Pakistan & Libya !
Will the war crime charges be applicable to those
Why dont Sinhalans apply the war Crimes report on Bush & all other Americans ?
After All Srilanka is the New Super Power of the World in defeating Terrorist which even USA cant do !
:-))
Edited By - chennaiguuy - 1 Nov 2009 05:28:51 GMT |
Jolyroger
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 1 Nov 2009 05:42:28 GMT Report for Abuse
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Dear Chennai don't forget,
CH-1
General G . S . C. Fonseka RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc
Chief of Defence Staff
General G. S. C. Fonseka RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc was appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces effective from 15th July 2009.
Lieutenant General G . S. C. Fonseka RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc was appointed as the Commander of the Army effective from 6th December 2005 and later promoted to the rank of General by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on 18th May 2009.
Widely admired as one of the greatest battle-hardened warriors of our time, General G. S. C Fonseka has served largely as an illustrious infantry soldier in the northern theatre of war during his exemplary career, particularly at the peak of the LTTE terrorism.
To his credit, when the Jaffna Fort was under siege for a long period, then Colonel G. S. C Fonseka led troops in the famous 'Midnight Express operation', to rescue troops. Incidentally, the incumbent Secretary Defence Lieutenant Colonel Gotabaya Rajapaksa too was with him and together they rescued the lives of hundreds of troops who would always remember them for their leadership and bravery.
His enormous contribution as Deputy General Officer Commanding to conduct operation, 'Riviresa' to evict terrorists and capture Jaffna town in December 1995 continues to remain a living memory because of the dynamic leadership he jointly imparted to his fellow-soldiers, and his meticulously planned tactical knowledge of the warfare, he has possessed. In the same vein, troops commanded by Gen Fonseka offered stiff resistance to LTTE terrorists during operation 'unceasing waves' in 2000, and further consolidated the security network to Jaffna during his four-month stint as Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna .
General Fonseka, as a fearless infantryman was at the forefront in operations, 'Balawegaya' and 'Jayasikuru,' that led to rescue the Elephant Pass and capture Mankulam. It was none other than the 6th Battalion of his Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment that was under siege at Elephant Pass in 1991 and reinforcements in a meticulously devised operation successfully repulsed the LTTE attack.
General Fonseka, distinguished himself by his dauntless bravery and excellent command in warfare as well as for his common touch with his troops, sustained injuries during the operation 'Yaldevi' following terrorist attacks. Jaffna, finally became his second home during May 2002-November 2003 after he was again appointed the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna.
To be continued..... |
Jolyroger
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1 Nov 2009 05:45:19 GMT Report for Abuse
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CH-2
His awards and decorations include the Gallantry Medals, Rana Wickrema Padakkama (RWP), Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP), Vishishta Seva Vibhushana (VSV). Utthama Seva Padakkama (USP), Riviresa Campaign Service Medal, Poorna Bhoomi medal, North & East Operations Medal, Desha Puthra Sammanaya and several others.
Over and above the command appointments, he has held a large number of various staff appointments including the Chief of Staff office in the Army, the post he relinquished to take reins as Commander of the Army.
His exciting career opportunities covered almost every sphere of military experience. He served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Army (01 July 2004 - 09 December 2004), Director General Infantry, Army Headquarters and later on commanded the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force between 23 November 2003 and 15 August 2004. In recognition of his fearless leadership, he was twice appointed the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna (21 April- 21 July 2000) and (05 May 2002 to 23 November 2003).
He was also the Commandant, Army Command and Staff College at Battalanda during a very brief period. (05 February-05 May 2002). After his first tenure of office as the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna, he assumed duties as the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni on 21 July 2000 and remained there until 12 December, the same year. Despite his busy schedules, Gen Sarath Fonseka simultaneously overlooked the offices of Inspector of Infantry, Quarter Master General, Director General General Staff, Army Headquarters for a short period in 2000. He was the General Officer Commanding in 22 Division, Trincomalee between 10 November 1998 and 15 January 2000.
On being promoted to the two-star rank of Major General on 23 February 1998, Major General Sarath Fonseka became the Colonel of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment on 01 February 2002. Major Gen Fonseka served as Officiating General Officer Commanding 55 Division, Mirusuvil, Officiating General Officer Commanding , Task Force 2 in Vavuniya, Deputy General Officer Commanding - Task Force 2 in Vavuniya, Commander, 23 Brigade Pollonnaruwa, Deputy General Officer Commanding, 51 Division, Jaffna, Coordinating Officer for Kayts and Mandativu, Commander , 27 Brigade Kilinochchi, Commander, 3 Brigade Batticaloa, Coordinating Officer Election and Security for North and East, Deputy Commander Task Force 1 and Commander Designate Mechanized Brigade, Officiating Commander 21 Brigade, Director Operations after his promotion to the rank of Brigadier on 01 December 1993. |
Jolyroger
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1 Nov 2009 05:46:01 GMT Report for Abuse
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CH - 3
As a Colonel, General Sarath Fonseka commanded the 23 Brigade Polonnaruwa in 1993. Among other appointments, he held included Colonel General Staff Army Headquarters, Centre Commandant, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, Deputy Commandant - 5 Brigade Group, Mannar, Brigade Commander Operation Balavegaya and Coordinating Officer for Gampaha.
As a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded the 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment before he assumed the office of General Staff Officer 1 (Operations), HQ 2 Division, Anuradhapura, Officer Commanding/Chief Instructor and Deputy Commandant, Infantry Training Centre, Minneriya.
Enlisted to the Army on 05th February 1970, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and subsequently posted to the 1st Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment on 01st June 1971. He has followed the UK-based course offered by Royal College of Defence Studies, Infantry Officers Advanced Course (USA), Staff College Course (Bangladesh), Company Commanders Course (Pakistan), Battalion Support Weapons Course (India), Counter Insurgency Jungle Warfare Course (India), Commando Officers Course (India) and has represented Sri Lanka in a number of international seminars and conferences, including the Pacific Armies Management Seminar (Japan), Conference on fourth International Exhibition of Defence (UK) and another overseas seminar in Geneva. In what was seen a recognition of his military maturity, he was selected to undertake an inspection assignment in Iran in 1992.
General Fonseka, a product of Ambalangoda Dharmasoka College (1958-1965) and Ananda College, Colombo (1966-1969) is a keen sportsman who has excelled in swimming and water polo representing defence services and the country. General Fonseka, married to Mrs Anoma Fonseka has two daughters, Apsara and Aparna.
General Fonseka who through his dedication, commitment and untiring military prowess succeeded in bringing the 30-year old War for Separation to an end was promoted to the rank of General on 18th May 2009, the day, he along with Secretary Defence and other service chiefs officially conveyed His Excellency the President of the final completion of the war. |
Maninder
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 1 Nov 2009 05:50:02 GMT Report for Abuse
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General Fonseka won the battle but lost the war, when he uttered that rubbish that Sri Lanka belonged to singalese alone. He has betrayed the future of Sri lanka as a peaceful, prosperous and united country.
Like Prabhakaran was to LTTE, Gen Fonseka and his comments are now a liability to Sri Lanka.
He should do a service to Sri Lanka first by declaring Sri Lanka belongs to all its citizens regardless of their ethnic or religious back ground and then quitely retire to lead a peaceful life.
Edited By - Maninder - 1 Nov 2009 05:50:53 GMT |
UnitedVRise
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 1 Nov 2009 05:51:25 GMT Report for Abuse
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For those who suffer from 'Premature Ejaculation'.
Nai thambi,
Please wait patiently and see what happens before you make yourself a complete idiot:))))
I'm wondering,
How come the US point their fingers at others after Korean war, Vietnam, Iraq and Afganistan. Those US lousy bstrds should clean their mess first before asking others. |
brick
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1 Nov 2009 05:59:27 GMT Report for Abuse
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Please wait patiently and see what happens
Where is the fun in that? LOL
Those US lousy bstrds should clean their mess first before asking others.
They are now following Israel policy. Preventing war criminals becoming citizens in the first place. |
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