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Perpetrators must face prosecution in Sri Lanka - Burstow
April 30, 2009 3:33 PM
Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, yesterday presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of the Tamil community in his constituency calling on the Government to do everything in its power to secure a ceasefire.
This followed a debate in the Commons on the situation in Sri Lanka, which was led by the Liberal Democrats, in which Mr Burstow reiterated the need for a ceasefire by underlining the futility of any military victory that might by claimed the Sri Lankan Government.
Mr Burstow stressed that access for humanitarian agencies and the media must be granted; making aid and information available immediately, and in the long-term when the rebuilding of Sri Lanka begins.
During his speech Mr Burstow also expressed his incredulity that the International Monetary Fund is currently considering a £1.9bn loan to Sri Lanka. He made it clear that if the money is granted it must come with preconditions attached giving access to the UN and other agencies.
Today, Thursday, Mr Burstow questioned the Foreign Secretary on his return to the Commons after visiting Colombo about what legal avenues the Government might pursue against perpetrators of war crimes in the conflict. He also asked whether the Government had sought legal advice on whether the loss of life in Sri Lanka amounted to genocide under the international convention.
Commenting, Paul Burstow MP said:
'The British Government and the UN must make it clear to all those involved in the chaos and violence in Sri Lanka that their actions now could lead to a prosecution for war crimes.
'To bring peace and justice to Sri Lanka requires more than just calling a ceasefire. Innocent civilians caught in the cross fire need urgent help and humanitarian relief.
'This war will not be ended by a military victory and if the Sri Lankan Government believe that they are mistaken. It is high time they listened to the cries of the Tamil people and the international community and did their utmost to stop the bloodbath.'
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