The term 'local reconciliation' may seem benign, but recent research amongst Tamils in the north of the country highlights the damaging silence hanging over the survivors of the conflict, and a determination to reach justice through transparency over past and present wrongs.
There is nothing objectionable in arguing for greater and more meaningful participation of youth in the political process, so long as this is not a substitute for a proper post-war constitutional settlement.
International calls for justice in Sri Lanka which are insensitive to domestic public opinion further alienate a youth population suspicious of Western intervention and determined to develop their country.
Sri Lanka's Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission has no mention of gender in its mandate and no dedicated expertise related to women; it has just one female commissioner out of eight. For Tamil women, the LLRC simply reaffirms bad old habits.
The tragic consequence of internal displacement in Sri Lanka and the failure of the government to address the situation will most likely be renewed instability.
Vote in Abyei to be delayed, say northern officials, stoking fears of a return to conflict in Sudan. Greek police gas protesting public sector workers in Acropolis. Junta number two arrested in Niger amid rumours of a coup. Human rights groups refuse to appear before Sri Lanka war crimes commissio
Chinese J-8 attack jets delivered in Venezuela. Sri Lankan general goes on military trial while supporters protest. Nigerian militants attack city with car bombs. South African youth leader found guilty of hate speech. All this and much more, in today’s security briefing.
Mahinda Rajapakse claims Sri Lanka election victory. North and South Korea trade fire. Taliban moderates taken off UN blacklist. Russia says US arms treaty to be ready in weeks. British court overturns freezing of terrorism assets. US blames Nigeria for extremism. All this and more in today’s secu
Burmese dictatorship sets date for potential release of pro-democracy activist. Concern over possibility of violent Sri Lankan elections. Daughter of Yeltsin speaks out against Putin. China defends internet controls. All this and more in today's briefing.
