LLRC report does not address accountability adequately – US

Geneva: The United States says the report of the Lessons Learnt and reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Sri Lanka’s domestic body that probed the country’s armed conflict does not adequately address the issue of accountability.

Addressing the 15th meeting of the 19th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva yestedray, the US delegate John C. Mariz said the LLRC report does not include any plan to implement its recommendations, nor does it adequately address the crucial issue of accountability.

The US says accountability can play an important role in the reconciliation process as evidenced by the recent history from countries that have undergone similar experiences.

A resolution against Sri Lanka backed by the US, is expected to be brought before the UNHRC to press Sri Lankan government to promptly implement the recommendations made by the LLRC and address the accountability for the war crimes allegedly occurred during the final phase of the battle with the Tamil Tiger terrorists.

A draft resolution has been circulated among the UNHRC’s 47 members.

Several member states, especially China, Russia and Pakistan, have shown support to Sri Lanka to fend off the resolution arguing that the UN should not address country-specific situations.

However, the US disagreed with the notion saying that the credibility of UN’s human rights machinery depends on its capacity to address urgent and persistent human rights situations to protect people who suffer under oppressive governments.

The delegate said as US Secretary of State Ms. Hilary Clinton has noted, the US is prepared to work with Sri Lanka in order to bring lasting peace to the island.

Sri Lanka says the government is taking measures to implement the LLRC recommendations methodically and it needs time and space to work towards reconciliation without interference from the international community.