In other Asian news, Sri Lanka has asked the United States to stop its scheduled questioning of its chief of defense over possible human rights violations and war crimes committed by Sri Lanka during its war against the Tamil Tigers. Army commander General Sarath Fonseka is currently in the United States visiting his daughters.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama: “Firstly, whatever information General Fonseka may have acquired in the exercise of his official duties is privileged by nature. Therefore, it cannot legally be shared with third parties without the prior approval and consent of the Sri Lankan authorities. The matter under reference has serious implications for the security and welfare of the people of Sri Lanka, and the government of Sri Lanka will, under no circumstances, authorize such an illegal act.”

Sri Lanka is facing increasing pressure over its human rights record. Last month, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights suggested an external inquiry in Sri Lanka similar to Gaza on war crimes.