June 28, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Turkey apologises for downing a Russian jet in November 2015. Image credit - yakub88 / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
High Commissioner for Human Rights releases report
An advance copy of UN High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein’s report on Sri Lanka to the UNHCR, was released today, 28 June.
The report addressed themes of transitional justice, constitutional reform, and civilian-military relations. It recognized several institutional steps forward, including the restoration of the Constitutional Council, and symbolic steps such as the bilingual anthem. However, it also called on the government to maintain the momentum of long-term structural reform, and to ensure coordinated mechanisms to transitional justice, after broad national consultation.
Treaties signed between Sri Lanka and Ukraine
On an official visit to Ukraine, the Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has signed three treaties on judicial cooperation.
The treaties signed were on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, transfer of sentenced prisoners, and extradition. The extradition treaty concerns efforts to return former Ambassador, Udayanga Weeratunga, who was accused of allegedly selling arms to Ukrainian rebels.
SriLankan Airlines discontinues flights to Europe
SriLankan Airlines has stated that it will suspend all operations to Paris and Frankfurt, after 30 October and 6 November respectively.
In announcing this decision, the national carrier cited its assessment that the government will not continue to fund loss-making sectors.
Scotland and Gibraltar seek to remain
The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, has initiated talks with Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, over plans to remain a part of the EU following Britain’s formal exit from the Union.
This decision comes in light of the regions’ reluctance to leave the EU, with 95% of Gibraltarians and 62% of Scots voting to remain in the EU.
Trilateral Summit to begin
The Presidents of Canada, Mexico and the US are scheduled to meet on 29 June in Ottawa, Canada for the ‘Three Amigos’ Summit. The summit will take place after a lapse of two years.
The leaders will commit to a goal of producing 50% of the region’s power from clean energy sources by 2025. Currently, 50% of power in North America comes from non-emitting sources.
Turkey apologises for downing of Russian jet
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has apologised to President Vladimir Putin for the downing of a Russian warplane last November. He called for Russia and Turkey to mend bilateral ties which deteriorated following the incident.
President Erdoğan also expressed his readiness to tackle security and terrorism related issues in the region, in collaboration with Russia. The announcement came following the resumption of relations between Turkey and Israel.
24 Horton Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
A think tank engaging in independent research of Sri Lanka’s international relations and strategic interests, to provide insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
