Tweeting Blake takes on questions on Lanka

United States Assistant Secretary Robert O Blake was on a twitter Q&A session on Tuesday. He invited those who were following him to ask questions. The session lasted 30 minutes and Mr. Blake was highly pleased with the way the Q&A went on and pledged to have similar Q&AS in the future. Among those who fielded questions was a the Sunday Times deputy editor and head of the newspaper's International Desk, Ameen Izzadeen. Some pointed questions were raised, among which were;

Question: MRT @ameenizzadeen Is the presence of China in Sri Lanka unsettling the US? Is it a factor that led to the Geneva resolution on Lanka?

Answer:.@ameenizzadeen China can play helpful development role; have good dialogue with China; China not reason for Geneva resolution

Question: MRT @beccaposey: Can u share how ur working to make trafficking in persons/forced labor a policy priority in regions you work with?

Answer. Pls'd with progress in India, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, & Sri Lanka. We all must cooperate to end TIP!

Question: MRT @srilanka: Why no one cares to explain what is this resolution and why it is important or not to #srilanka citizenry? cits have no clue

Answer: .@srilanka - the res. is under discussion; great opportunity for #Srilanka to describe what it intends to do to implement the LLRC'S recs

Q: MRT @innercitypress: What does US say to Asia Group mulling backing Gen Shavendra Silva as #UN adviser, & #Bankimoon being silent?

Answer: .@innercitypress Appointment was inappropriate given lack of independent investigation into end of war circumstances

Question: MRT @mhmhisham: political Qs aside, I'd love to hear from @State_sca what he misses the most of #lka

Answer: .@mhmhisham I miss the friendliness and hospitality of the Sri Lanka people. Greetings to all my friends at SYLP! Hope u r prospering!...

Question: MRT @bav3: Obama said 'world should not be idle when #genocide happens'. Why no action to save #Tamils not only n 2009 but 4 60 yrs?

Answer: @Bav3 US has been very active to encourage reconciliation and accountability. See http://ow.ly/9kwbt

Here are Mr. Blake's answer to some other questions:

Question: Don't you think that India is undermining the sanctions regime against Iran by ramping up trade engagement?

Answer:.@roops78 We continue to have a good dialogue with many countries, including India, on the Iran sanctions. India valued partner.

Question: RT @swatisave: #ASKSCA What does public service mean to you?

Answer: @Swatisave A chance to serve my country and to make a positive difference in the lives and welfare of others

On Maldives: Also back from #Maldives. Encouraged parties are talking; hope they can agree on date for early elections.

On Education: Have over 100,000 students in the US from India alone! Welcome students from all countries.