Brussels, 21/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - Further to an investigation launched on 14 October 2008 into Sri Lanka's violation of its human rights commitments taken in the framework of the generalised system of preferences of the EU, "GSP+", the European Commission is threatening temporarily to suspend the preferential access of this country to the Community market. The in-depth investigation notes "significant shortcomings" with the country's observation of three UN conventions on human rights- the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention against Torture (CAT) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the implementation of which by the Sri Lankan authorities has been insufficient, in the view of the Commission. "There are significant shortcomings in this area and Sri Lanka is in breach of its GSP+ commitments", the spokesperson to European Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton notes in a press release, which goes on to stress that the Commission is determined to continue its dialogue with Sri Jayawardenapura on the substantial human rights issues identified in the report and the measures which the Sri Lanka's authorities may take to put them right. "Any actions (...) will be suitably vigorous, rapid and verifiable", concludes Lutz Güllner, the spokesperson. The "GSP" system guarantees preferential access to the Community market for the developing countries. Its "GSP+" version offers additional customs tariff reductions to 15 developing countries, including Sri Lanka, which have committed to sustainable development and good governance, including human rights and employment standards, and which have ratified and implemented 27 international conventions in these areas. (E.H./transl.fl)