Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Sri Lanka: EU calls for LLRC full implementation; Welcomes appoinment of experts to UN probe

The European Union (EU) today called for the full implementation of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and advancing a sustainable political solution saying they are essential for peaceful growth and stability in Sri Lanka.

“We welcome the appointment by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, of three renowned experts – Martti Ahtisaari, Silvia Cartwright and Asma Jahangir – to assist the investigation team for Sri Lanka led by her office. We urge the Government of Sri Lanka to fully cooperate with the investigation to address accountability issues as an important step for fostering genuine reconciliation. It should also allow all stakeholders to engage without fear of reprisals,” the EU said in a statement from Brussels.

The EU statement said that Sri Lanka has come a long way in rebuilding the country since the end of the conflict five years ago but added that efforts should not stop here.

“Notably the full implementation of the recommendations of Sri Lanka’s own Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission and advancing a sustainable political solution are essential for peaceful growth and stability in Sri Lanka,” the EU added.

The EU says it is willing to continue assisting Sri Lanka in its efforts to make further progress on these issues. (Colombo Gazette)