TNA discusses possible Australian participation in judicial process

Tamil National Alliance Member of Parliament Sumanthiran and Australian Tamil Congress (ATC) representatives including Reginald Jeganathan, Chairman of the ATC had a successful meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Canberra on Nov 10. The Member of Parliament for Reid Craig Laundy MP also participated.

Diaspora sources said that the delegation also had detailed discussions with senior Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials including the First Secretary for South and West Asia Kathy Klugman (former Australian High Commissioner).

Further meetings were held with Shadow Ministers and MPs from the opposition Labour Party. Michelle Rowland MP- Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism hosted the meeting.

Possible Australian participation in the judicial processes to be set up as per the UNHRC resolution and the present crisis regarding the Tamil political prisoner release figured prominently in the discussions.

Other issues discussed in detail were the role Australia could play on political negotiations in Sri Lanka, economic development projects in the North and East and facilitating Tamil diaspora involvement in reconciliation processes.

Australian Tamil Congress conveyed the appreciation of the Tamil Community for the constructive role Australia is playing on promoting peace, justice, reconciliation and prosperity for all communities of Sri Lanka. (The Island)