The Minister for External Affairs G.L. Peiris met today with the Heads of Missions/Representatives of EU Member States and the European Union in order to discuss matters relating to the future of the EU GSP+ process. The Deputy Minister for External Affairs Gitanjana Gunawardena was also associated with the discussions.

The Minister stated that on 24th June 2010, following a discussion in the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a comprehensive response to the letter of 17th June 2010 from the European Commission. The Statement of 24th June 2010 detailed the reasoning behind the GoSL decision to reject the unacceptable conditions and deadlines stated in the letter dated 17th June 2010. The Minister further reiterated that over the past several months, the GoSL had engaged in what it believed was a constructive process of dialogue with the European Commission relating the continuation of GSP+ benefits for the people of Sri Lanka. During this process, the Government had shared with the Commission the significant progressive steps it had taken relating to, inter alia, human rights, child soldiers, emergency regulations and welfare of IDPs as they related to the GSP+ process. In a spirit of open discussion, the Government had also informed the Commission that revoking certain limited measures essential for public safety and national security could not be considered in the present context in Sri Lanka and could be re-considered at a later date. It was against this background that the GoSL was taken by surprise by the further conditions, and the deadlines stipulated in the letter dated 17th June 2010 by the European Commission.

The Minister stated that subsequently he had noted the recent statements made by the Ambassador of the European Union relating to the EU’s wish to continue the dialogue relating to GSP+ by overcoming misperceptions and obstacles. In this regard, the Minister reiterated that while the objective of the Government is to find a way forward with a view to restoring the benefits of GSP+ to the people of Sri Lanka, the government has clearly stated that it was not in a position to proceed on the basis of the unacceptable conditions and ultimatum stated in the letter dated 17th June 2010.

The Ambassador of the European Union thanked the Minister for External Affairs for the briefing on the position of the GoSL on the letter sent by the European Commission on 17th June 2010. The Ambassador reiterated that the objective of the European Commission at this point was to find a way forward in a mutually acceptable manner. He also stated that the Commission will explore modalities in order to react constructively to the views expressed by the GoSL, and resume forward-looking discussions. The Minister agreed to consider constructive proposals by the European Commission in this regard, which did not compromise the dignity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

The Ambassadors of EU, France and Netherlands, as well as Charge d'affaires of UK, Germany ,Romania and Italy were present at the Meeting, together with Senior Officials of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Ministry of External Affairs
9th July 2010