General Fonseka recalled from US.04.11.2009-itn news Sri Lanka

Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka is being recalled without being given an opportunity to face a voluntary interview. The US Homeland Security Department was to interview him on violations of human rights said to have been committed by Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa. The Sri Lankan Government lodged a strong protest against such an interview. Accordingly, General Fonseka is returning home.
Meanwhile, Minister Rohitha Bogollagama referred to the immediate measures taken by the Government to resolve the issue at the state level. Addressing Parliament today, the Foreign Minister said he summoned US Ambassador Patricia Butenis to his office on the 2nd of this month and informed her that General Sarath Fonseka was holding an important position as the Chief of Defence Staff. As such, he cannot divulge any information to a third party. The US Government or any department cannot derive privileged information from a Sri Lankan official. He requested that the scheduled interview be cancelled and General Fonseka be permitted to return home.

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