Netanyahu's Iran war, global implications and AKD's appalling policy stand

LEFT-LEANING Governments, especially but not only in the global South, which feel compelled to adopt severe IMF stabilisation and debt repayment packages, tend to compensate in the field of foreign policy by adopting progressive stands. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's JVP-NPP administration is an exception.

- By Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka

Here's his administration's sole statement on the shocking, momentous event of Israel's unprovoked attack on Iran:

'Sri Lanka yesterday expressed deep concern by recent developments between Israel and Iran and urged both to engage in diplomatic efforts for reconciliation.

"Sri Lanka is deeply concerned by the recent developments between Israel and Iran. We urge both countries to exercise restraint, engage in dialogue and pursue diplomatic initiatives to de-escalate the tense situation," Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

"The Sri Lanka Missions in both countries are closely monitoring the situation and remain in contact with the Sri Lankan nationals in the respective countries. They are advised to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant," it added.'

(https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-expresses-deep-concern-over-Israel-Iran-tensions/44-777709)

■The Sri Lankan Government's stand on Israel's unprovoked massive aggression against Iran is contemptible in its failure to denounce the attack or even use the term, and name the attacker.

■It conspicuously fails to stand on the principles of the UN Charter, international law and Nonalignment.

■It shamefully fails to empathise if not solidarise with Iran which has been a consistent friend of Sri Lanka, not least during our 30-years war.

The statement talks of 'recent developments between Israel and Iran' without having the basic honesty and courage to name the 'developments' that have shaken the Middle East, with likely global effects.

The terms 'attack' or even 'military strike' do not figure in the statement. There is no indication that several dozens of top Iranian leaders were slaughtered in a blitzkrieg or Pearl Harbour-type surprise attack. Future diplomatic historians will wonder what exactly Sri Lanka meant by 'recent developments'. An earthquake?