Bogollagama explains to Sudan reasons for arrest of Sarath

(February 20, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Ambassador of Sudan Khidir Haroun Ahmed resident in New Delhi presented his credentials to the President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday, 19th February, 2010. The same day he paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at the Foreign Ministry.

According to statement released by the Minister Bogollagama, “Sudanese Ambassador Ahmed briefed the Foreign Minister on the current situation in Darfur and the activities implemented by UN and its’ forces to help to end the violence in Darfur. He said that Sudanese Government hopes that the Peace Accord would pave the way for peace in Sudan and named 2010 as their ‘Peace Year’. He explained on the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) last year 2009 on Sudan’s President Omar Hassan Ahmad Al Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity while Sudan is not a member of ICC. He placed his appreciation for the support extended by the African Union (AU) and Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in this regard.”

“In response, Foreign Minister Bogollagama stated that Sri Lanka is also facing similar pressures from the International Community on Domestic Affairs. He emphasized on Sri Lanka’s intention in improving relations with nations in the African sub-continent in all spheres and added that in the recent past, Sri Lanka has improved its’ relations with African nations. He also appreciated the support extended by the African nations for the endorsement of Sri Lanka to hold the CHOGM Summit in 2013, during last CHOGM meeting in Trinidad and Tobago.”

“Foreign Minister Bogollagama explained the Political Developments in the country and said that by accepting the resignation of Gen. Sarath Fonseka, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has removed General’s barriers to enter into politics and thus becoming a Presidential candidate. He pointed out that any person regardless of the status should respect the laws of that country. He said that Rtd. Gen. Sarath Fonseka has been arrested and detained under the military law and that he is not politically victimized by the Government and he is under military custody due to his own committed offences.”

“Foreign Minister further said that an amazing amount of assets have been found by the same authorities and it is a proven fact now that these funds have reached Sri Lanka via some International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) & local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). He expressed his highest dissatisfaction for channeling such funds to destabilize democracy in Sri Lanka.”

The statement further noted, “the Ambassador Khidir Haroun Ahmed extended an invitation to Minister Bogollagama to visit Sudan in the near future.”