JACK LAYTON SPEAKS TO TAMIL HUNGER STRIKER
New Democrats push to adopt recommendations by Foreign Affairs Committee
OTTAWA – Concerned for Gunapalasundaram Veeragathipillai, the young man currently on day 11 of a hunger strike, New Democrat leader Jack Layton phoned him to express worry for his health and wellbeing, and to reassure him that New Democrats are continuing to push the Canadian government to stop the violence in Sri Lanka.
During the phone call with Gunapalasundaram, Mr. Layton provided an update on his recent discussion with the Prime Minister, urging him to get Canada involved to push for an immediate ceasefire.
"It was very clear to hear how weak he was on the phone," said Mr. Layton about Gunapalasundaram's condition. "Yet he's determined to continue bringing awareness to all Canadians about the situation in his homeland. What will it take for the government to listen and take action?"
Mr. Layton is continuing to work with the Prime Minister's Office towards opening up a dialogue between government officials and leaders of the large community of Tamil Canadians.
Earlier this morning, the Foreign Affairs committee submitted its report on Sri Lanka to the House of Commons. The report, titled "Canada and the Crisis in Sri Lanka," calls for an immediate ceasefire, increased Canadian aid to civilians and a UN investigation of war crimes.
The New Democrat Foreign Affairs critic, Paul Dewar (Ottawa-Centre) said the report underlines the need to approach Sri Lanka for a dialogue on peace – failing that, the need to consider financial and diplomatic sanctions.
"We will keep on calling on the Government of Canada to adopt the recommendations from the report and take action now – we don't have the convenience of time on our hands," said Mr. Dewar.
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For more information, please contact:
Rupinder Kaur, press secretary: 613-222-5048 or rupinder@ndp. ca
The report can be found at: http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/402/FAAE/ Reports/RP389562 7/402_FAAE_ Rpt05_PDF/402_FAAE_ Rpt05-e.pdf
Below is the list of recommendations from the report:
Recommendation 1: The Government of Canada should continue to call upon all parties in Sri Lanka to immediately cease fire and end hostilities.
Recommendation 2: The Government of Canada should redouble its efforts in cooperation with other states to meet the humanitarian needs of all civilians in northeastern Sri Lanka, including those still in the combat zone and those in IDP camps, by securing a sufficient humanitarian pause and through international supervision of assistance.
Recommendation 3: The Government of Canada should stand ready to increase Canadian assistance to Sri Lanka in collaboration with other partners, as on-the-ground assessments and capacity to absorb warrant, not only for relief purposes but also for development and reconstruction. In addition to ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most, the government should pursue a whole-of-government strategy to ensure that Canadian assistance of all sorts encourages longer-term reconciliation among communities in Sri Lanka.
Recommendation 4: The Government of Canada should call on the United Nations Security Council to seriously engage itself in the resolution of the conflict in Sri Lanka, and to investigate the conduct of both parties during the conflict with respect to international law. The Government of Canada should also initiate a dialogue with the Government of Sri Lanka, in conjunction with the international community, aimed at laying the groundwork for a political reconciliation between the communities. If these efforts fail, the Government of Canada should consider financial and diplomatic sanctions, including, but not limited to, advocating for Sri Lanka's suspension from the Commonwealth, as well as incentives.
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