By IANS,
Washington : US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Sri Lanka Thursday to take steps to address “accountability” vis-a-vis the human rights abuses in the war against the Tamil Tigers.
After 24 other countries voted for a US resolution at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Clinton said “a strong signal” had gone to Colombo that only “real reconciliation and accountability” can lead to lasting peace.
“Today’s action … encourages Sri Lanka to continue on the path toward reconciliation following 27 years of civil war.
“The next steps are clear. We look to Sri Lanka to implement the constructive recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and take necessary measures to address accountability.
“We are committed to working with Sri Lanka to help realize this goal.
“We will continue the productive working relationship we have with Sri Lanka based on shared values, respect and constructive dialogue.”