The United States says that it expects a credible, independent, domestic probe this year into allegations of human rights violations in Sri Lanka.
Addressing the media following the adoption of the US-sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, the US Permanent Representative to the Council, Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, expressed these views.
'No determination has been made by the council members yet as to whether an international probe is required. What we are hoping for is a domestic, credible, independent investigation that satisfies the people of Sri Lanka. That has not happened to date.That what is being called for this year. The resolution which includes specific follow up actions including an interim update by the High Commissioner in September, and a comprehensive report in March 2014 by the Office of the High Commissioner is a strong signal, that the international community intends to remain seized, with the situation in Sri Lanka.'
Meanwhile, John Kerry the recently-appointed US Secretary of State, issuing a statement yesterday, said the vote in the council, 52 encourages the Sri Lankan government to continue on it's path towards lasting peace and prosperity.
Kerry said that the resolution re-affirmed that Sri Lanka must take meaningful action on reconciliation and accountability, in order to move forward.
Incidentally, seven amendments to the resolution proposed by India were rejected by the United States at the UNHRC.
Several foreign media institutions including the UK's Daily Mail, reported on the matter.
The Daily Mail reported that among the amendments was one regarding the inclusion of a line on the, "concern" of the international community in the draft, besides a suggestion to make the language a bit stronger.
The report, says that India's Envoy to the UN Dileep Sinha was tasked with taking up the amendments with his US counterpart Eileen Donahoe, following a meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
The Daily Mail reports that long deliberations followed, before the US conveyed to India its reluctance to allow the suggestions, over fears that they would jeopardize the vote.
The Presidential Special Envoy on Human Rights, Minister Mahinda Samarsinghe said the council was split in two, in voting on the US sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka.
Adoption of the resolution will not open the doors for international interference in domestic affairs, without the approval of Sri Lanka.
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