Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton over verantwoordelijkheid mensenrechtenschendingen in Sri Lanka (en)
The European Union i welcomes the appointment on 22 June of the UN Panel of Experts with the mandate to advise the UN Secretary General on the issue of accountability with regard to any alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law during the final stages of the conflict in Sri Lanka. Commitment on human rights and accountability was a key point of the Joint Statement issued by H.E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and the UN Secretary General during the latter’s visit to Sri Lanka in May 2009.
Recalling the Council Conclusions of 27 October 2009, the European Union encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to cooperate fully, including through the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission appointed by President Rajapaksa, with the members of the Panel, in the interest of all concerned.
The European Union hopes that these initiatives can contribute to an inclusive and
sustainable political solution addressing the legitimate concerns of all the communities on the island.