Sunday, January 12, 2014

US tells Lanka to seek the truth

Rapp
Add caption
The government of the United States today encouraged the government of Sri Lanka to seek the truth over alleged human rights abuses through independent and credible investigations, and where relevant, have prosecutions.
The US Embassy in Colombo said that the US Ambassador-at-Large at the Office of Global Criminal Justice, Stephen J. Rapp, during his recent visit to Sri Lanka met with government and political leaders, civil society, and also toured former conflict zones.

The Embassy said that Rapp not only heard about the progress made since the conflict, but also the Sri Lankan people’s continuing desire for reconciliation, justice and accountability.

“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. In that context the government of the United States encourages the government of Sri Lanka to seek the truth through independent and credible investigations, and where relevant, have prosecutions,” the Embassy said.

The United States says it remains committed to working with the Government of Sri Lanka to promote greater peace and prosperity for all of the people of Sri Lanka adding that 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.
(Colombo Gazette)