2ND LEAD (CORRECTION)

Canadian MP recommends "Decentralized Federal Model" for Sri Lanka

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 12 June 2007, 02:37 GMT]
Mr.Pierre Polievre, Conservative MP for Nepean- Carleton, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, in a report released Sunday, requested the Government of Canada to assist Sri Lanka to move into a decentralized Federal model similar to Canada with autonomy and rights to minorities. The report called for action from the Government of Canada to use its influence to put an end to the tragic fighting, rampant human rights abuses and discrimination in aid distribution throughout Sri Lanka.

Recommendations of Pierre Poilievre, MP

The report was released at a press conference held at the Hotel Intercontinental downtown Toronto from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Other Conservative Party members also participated in the press conference.

Mr Poilievre urges immediate aid distribution to the displaced fleeing battle areas, and full audit of Canadian funds contributed to Sri Lanka to ensure that the funds were spent effectively and equitably in reconstruction projects.

"Canada should advocate for, and participate in, an international human rights monitoring mission under the auspices of the UNHCHR. This mission should be completely separate and independent from the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, and should issue public findings," the MP recommends in his report.

Mr Poilievre visited Sri Lanka in the spring of 2005 to view the conditions on the ground, and had met Government officials and members of the civil society.