The
UN pays a glowing tribute to the late Foreign Minister
[August 26, 2005 - 10.30 GMT]
 In
an rare gesture the United Nations held a special session in
New York on Wednesday [24th August] to pay
homage to the late Lakshman Kadirgamar. The President of the UNGA Jean
Ping requested the Sri Lanka
delegation to convey the deep sorrow and the sense of loss of all Member
States on the tragic assassination to the Government and people of
Sri Lanka
and to the bereaved family of the late Minister.
The African Group
condemned the assassination as a barbaric terrorist act and stressed
this could only obstruct the path to peace. The late Minister came in
for very high praise as a great diplomat and a true national leader who
dedicated his life to peace, unity and reconciliation in
Sri Lanka.
The Asian Group
while denouncing the assassination as a horrendous act of terrorism
urged that the perpetrators be brought to justice soon. The Asians said
he was a true leader, who combined intellectual vigour, political
courage and personal integrity and diplomacy to advance
Sri Lanka’s interests.
The Latin America
and Caribbean Group deplored the Minister’s death as a tragic loss to
the international community, and complimented his continued dedication
in pursuit of peace and national unity in
Sri Lanka; they too condemned the
killing as a senseless act of terrorism.
Others delegates
who spoke assured that the International community stood with Sri Lanka
at this moment of national loss, and urged Sri Lanka to pursue
determined action against the perpetrators of this assassination.
Sri Lanka’s
Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Prasad
Kariyawasam said the late Minister was committed to the
ideals of pluralism and peace as well as freedom and democracy. He said,
“Long before the 9/11 and London
bombings, Mr. Kadirgamar was often a lone voice which warned the
international community of the threat posed by terrorism to the peace
and security of States and to the democratic way of life”.
Referring to the
involvement of the late Minister in the peace process, Ambassador
Kariyawasam said; “he was in the fore-front of the quest to find an
equitable solution to the conflict in Sri
Lanka. His depth of vision complemented
by his diplomatic finesse and his consummate ability to articulate
issues with clarity helped Sri Lanka
to capture the attention of the international community in this regard.
He rose above parochial ethnic and religious prejudices. Those who
opposed him and could not win the hearts of people through rational
persuasion simply chose the easiest option; the elimination of a person
who cannot be defeated through rational and civil discourse. Hate and
prejudice triumphed temporarily on 12th August and Lakshman
Kadirgamar’s illustrious life was thus brought to an end in a despicable
act of terrorism.”
The Ambassador
added the late Minister believed in the need for constructive dialogue
and engagement between countries in the North and the South. This ideal
was under-pinned by his emphasis on the relevance of the core principles
of NAM
as well as the efficacy of South –South Cooperation.”
Ambassador
Kariyawasam thanked the President of the General Assembly for convening
the meeting in honour of the late Minister and acknowledged the words of
sympathy and solidarity expressed by the Member States of the United
Nations.
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Last Updated
Date: August 26, 2005 - 10.30 GMT |
