February 14, 2015 07:04
Jen-Psaki
The United States says it is upto the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein to decide on the report on the investigations over the war in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is seeking a postponement of the report which is scheduled to be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council during its session next month.
US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said that the issue was discussed during meetings Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera had with the US Government this week.
However she said it is a matter for the UN High Commissioner to determine and the US has absolute confidence in him and in the process.
Samaraweera met US Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday as part of his official visit to the US and Psaki said that Kerry underscored the United States and international commitment to accountability and reconciliation after nearly 30 years of war, and expressed ongoing support for a Sri Lanka that is peaceful, democratic, prosperous, inclusive, and unified.
“Well, let me first do just a quick readout. The Secretary and the foreign minister met yesterday to discuss our bilateral relationship and other regional issues. The Secretary reiterated our commitment to the people of Sri Lanka after the historic January 8th elections and for the ongoing effort to strengthen democratic institutions in Sri Lanka. The Secretary reiterated support for the new government and its 100-day plan. He also underscored the United States and international commitment to accountability and reconciliation after nearly 30 years of war, and expressed ongoing support for a Sri Lanka that is peaceful, democratic, prosperous, inclusive, and unified,” she said.
Psaki said that the focus of the United States and the focus of its partners in the international community is supporting accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
“We’re determining the best way forward to address these issues,” she added.
Asked if Kerry had accepted an invitation to visit Sri Lanka, the US State Department spokesperson said that Kerry would like to visit Sri Lanka at an appropriate time.
(Colombo Gazette)
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