US bats for Fonseka

The United States, while congratulating Sri Lanka for the first nationwide election in decades and President Rajapaksa on his victory, on Thursday indirectly batted for defeated opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka, who is a green card holder, by asking the authorities to ensure the safety and security of all candidates and campaign workers.

A statement released by the US embassy here said:" We look forward to continuing the partnership between our two countries and working with the Government and the people to support a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka. We note that the turnout was large in most areas of the country and election day was peaceful in most locations.

We also note, however, some reports of possible violations of election law during the campaign, voting, and counting, and we urge a thorough investigation of these allegations in accordance with Sri Lankan law and in keeping with the democratic traditions of the country. In addition, we urge the authorities to ensure the safety and security of all candidates and campaign workers".

One of the allegations made against Sarath Fonseka by the President's campaigners was that his loyalty to the country was suspect as he was a green card holder.

In fact, he was in the US last November to renew his card and he was summoned by the US authorities for questioning in regard to allegations of human rights violations during the closing stages of the war with the LTTE. The Rajapaksa administration stood up to US pressure and directed the general to return home forthwith.

It also scuttled a move by the west in the UN Human Rights Commission meeting in Geneva to censure the Government. China, Russia and India backed a Sri Lankan resolution hailing the security forces for defeating terrorism.

- Asian Tribune -