South Africa calls for investigations into violations of Geneva Conventions: Noting that “[t]he military offensive conducted by the Sri Lankan government has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the north of the country and resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians and the displacement of many hundreds of thousands of citizens,” South Africa’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ehrahim Ebrahim in a press release issued today, urged the UN to “to urgently investigate possible violations of international human rights law and contraventions of the Geneva Convention,” and called for “peaceful dialogue with all minorities to address their long standing grievances.” FULL ARTICLE
US to block financial support until Sri Lanka addresses Rights situation: In amendment 1169 to H.R. 2346, an Act making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, U.S. Senators propose to “prohibit certain forms of financial support to Sri Lanka,” unless certification is made by the Secretary of State that “Sri Lanka has taken certain steps to address the humanitarian situation in areas affected by the conflict in Sri Lanka,” the text in the amendment said. The amendement, however, allows financial support for Balance of Payment needs, thereby, appears to provide a loophole to permit the IMF loan to proceed if the loan was to be used to address deteriorating “Balance of Payment,” conditions. FULL ARTICLE
Sinhala hoodlums harass Tamil civilians in the name of victory celebration: Gangs of Sinhala youths holding Lion flags in hands in the name of victory against LTTE have been on the rampage, day and night, intimidating and harassing Tamil civilians in Colombo and its suburbs for the fourth day. Affected Tamil residents have complained to their respective police station. But the police have failed to take action to stop the harassment, civil sources lament. FULL ARTICLE
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