UNITED NATIONS, June 25 -- The UN panel on war crimes in Sri Lanka does not need to go to that country, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's spokesman has said. But the chairman of the panel, Marsuki Darusman, has now called Sri Lanka's decision to deny him and his two panel-mates visas “highly unfortunate” and a barrier to finding out the truth.
Inner City Press asked Ban's spokesman Martin Nesirky if Ban agrees that the denial of visas to the UN panel is unfortunate. Nesirky would not answer, but rather emphasized again that going is “not necessary... not required.” Video here, from Minute 22:24.
To some it seems that Mr. Ban is back to accommodating Sri Lanka. If a country like Sudan were to deny visas, the UN would condemn it. But because Sri Lanka has blustered every move, Ban is undercutting the panel and its chairman.
Inner City Press asked when the three panel members will meet, which will start ticking the four months until their report is due. In the coming month, Nesirky said, in July.
How will the panel be staffed? Nesirky said that these “finer points” have yet to be worked out. This is hard to understand, given that it was back on March 5 that Ban said he would appoint the panel “without delay.” What has the UN been doing? Watch this site.And see, www.innercitypress.com/sri8bantor062510.html
