Seek truth, investigate and prosecute: US tells Lanka
Monday, 13 January 2014 00:00
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War Crimes Envoy Rapp concludes visit to Sri Lanka; hears from eyewitnesses about ‘serious human rights abuses’
The US Government has encouraged Sri Lanka to seek truth through independent and credible investigations and have prosecutions at the conclusion of a visit by its top Envoy on War Crimes Issues, Ambassador Stephen J. Rapp, who was in the island on a five day visit.
During Ambassador Rapp’s discussions, he listened to eyewitness accounts about serious human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, including those that occurred at the end of the war, the US Embassy in Colombo said in a media release issued yesterday.
Ambassador Rapp met with government and political leaders, civil society and toured former conflict zones during his visit, the Embassy said.
“He heard about the progress made since the conflict, but also the Sri Lankan people’s continuing desire for reconciliation, justice and accountability,” the statement said.
It said the US was committed to working with the Government of Sri Lanka to promote greater peace and prosperity for all of the people of Sri Lanka. “It is vital that all sides come to an agreement on events, have appropriate redress, and move forward as a unified country that upholds the rule of law and respects the principles of democratic governance,” the Embassy said in its statement.
Ambassador Rapp arrived in Sri Lanka on 6 January. His visit is expected to be followed by an official visit by US Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asian Affairs, Nisha Beswal later this month or in early February. Both visits come ahead of the March UN Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva, where Washington is expected to float a third and more stringent resolution pushing for accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. (DB)
