US holds back anti- SL resolution in Geneva
The US yesterday held back a statement scheduled to be made on Sri Lanka.
Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Maria Otero was earlier scheduled to speak at 10. 30 a.m.
Geneva-based diplomatic sources expressed surprise at the eleventh hour cancellation of the US statement at the high level segment on the fourth day of the sessions, which would continue till March 23. A spokesman for the Government of Sri Lanka told The Island: 'In fact in the wake of UK demanding UN intervention in Sri Lanka, we expected the US to use a high level segment to pursue us on the human rights front. We are in the process of meeting member states of the UNHRC to defend our position and respond to whatever criticism and allegations directed at us.'
'We expect the US to respond to these allegations when Under Secretary Otero re-schedules her speech probably after Sri Lanka side event in Geneva,' he said. |