Question to:	Proinsias De Rossa
Issue:	Europe's role in the world
29.05.2009 Question sent by	An investigation is currently under way in view of possible temporary withdrawal of the GSP+ trade benefits from Sri Lanka on the grounds of alleged lack of effective implementation of three UN Human Rights conventions. What is your position regarding the current situation regarding the Tamil population of Sri Lanka and the proposed withdrawal of GSP+ benefits?
04.06.2009 Reply from Proinsias De Rossa	Dear , Thanks for your question. On 12 March, the European Parliament adopted an emergency resolution on the then detoriating humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka. A more detailed resolution on the situation there had been adopted on 5 February last. I supported both of these resolutions. I fully support the calls for an independent inquiry into violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws in the conflict. I have no doubt that this issue will be on the EU´s agenda over the coming weeks and I will take up your suggestions in my contributions in these debates. I would also point out that the Labour Party´s European manifesto, available at www.derossa.com and www.labour.ie. includes the following commitment - ´We will work to ensure that all EU trade agreements include appropriate, enforceable human, environmental and social rights clauses...´ (p.21), Best wishes, Proinsias De Rossa MEP
Source:	http://www.candidatewatch.ie/proinsias_de_rossa-30374-22146.html