Boycott CHOGM 2013: Walking into Genocidal Sri Lanka - At what Cost to the Commonwealth? TGTE

A Booklet by Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE)

Link to the Booklet: http://naathamnews.com/?p=32

(LONDON) - 1) This Booklet examines the core principles of the Commonwealth and multiple ways Sri Lanka has ignored, defied,& violated these principles.

2) Reviewing the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group’s (CMAG) practices in relation to Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Fiji, this booklet identifies a clear precedence to suspend Sri Lanka.

3) By allowing Sri Lanka to chair CMAG, the body charged with investigating human rights, democracy, judicial or journalistic independence violations, ostensibly gives approval to the actions of the Sri Lankan government, that committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

4) The government callously suppresses free speech, as clearly demonstrated in the 6th Amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution, standing in violation of a core value of the Commonwealth.

Events: There will be events in UK, India, Canada & Switzerland to release this Booklet.

The objective of this Booklet is to underline the obligation of Commonwealth member states to boycott CHOGM 2013 and suspend Sri Lanka from the Commonwealth. A state that has been accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide is not representative of the ideals and values held by such a distinguished organization like the Commonwealth. As Sri Lanka continues to be implicated in the news for its massive human rights violations, the decision to hold the 23rd Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka has been questioned and caused great indignation.

This booklet examines the core principles of the Commonwealth and the multiple ways in which Sri Lanka has ignored, defied, and violated these principles. It makes an appeal for Sri Lanka’s dismissal from the Commonwealth as has been done previously with Commonwealth states. Reviewing the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group’s practices in relation to Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Fiji, this booklet identifies a clear precedence for suspension when democracy and the rule of law are extinguished.

Exploring various reports and articles written by the Panel of Experts appointed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, a United Nations internal report known as “the Charles Petrie Report”, an article written for the American Journal of International Law by Professor Steven Ratner, a 2012 report by the US Department of State, as well as various other detailed documents, this booklet offers a strong case for suspension.

The Sri Lankan government callously suppresses free speech as clearly demonstrated in the 6th Amendment in the Sri Lankan Constitution standing in violation of a core value of the Commonwealth. Sri Lanka continues to deny any wrongdoing, despite clear and mounting evidence from various sources.

Recounting the long history of discrimination, persecution and the marginalization of Tamils from the political process, as acknowledged in the UN Expert Panel Report, this booklet outlines the way in which very little has changed in the island of Sri Lanka.

The consequences of hosting CHOGM in the island of Sri Lanka and appointing as its leader who is accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide as Chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) are innumerable and will devastate not only the Tamil People, but also the international community as a whole. The attention afforded to Sri Lanka as host of CHOGM has only bolstered its ability to obscure the real issues, and in turn allowed the government to escape accountability and justice.

Allowing Sri Lanka to chair CMAG, the body charged with investigating human rights, democracy, judicial or journalistic independence violations, ostensibly gives approval to the actions of the Sri Lankan government during and following the war. The booklet also envisages that the repercussions of attending the conference will reverberate well beyond the Summit. This booklet also argues that the contradictions between the principles of CHOGM and allowing Sri Lanka to serve as host will create a lasting divide between civil society and governments in member states.

This booklet calls for member states of the Commonwealth to take an impassioned and principled stand against the blatant disregard for democracy, freedom, peace, the rule of law and equal opportunity. Thoughtful consideration of the credible evidence produced by NGOs against Sri Lanka is imperative before making a decision to attend CHOGM 2013. Sri Lanka’s engagement in crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide is well documented and it is the responsibility of Commonwealth member states to hold Sri Lanka accountable.

Note: This Booklet was sent to all member countries of the commonwealth. 

For information & to get a copy of the Booklet contact: pmo@tgte.org or tgte-us.org

Attached, recent documentary: "No Fire Zone"

Link to the Booklet: http://naathamnews.com/?p=32

http://world.einnews.com/pr_news/175427218/boycott-chogm-2013-walking-into-genocidal-sri-lanka-at-what-cost-to-the-commonwealth-tgte