Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Sri Lanka Panel of Experts

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations 

New York, NY

June 23, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The United States supports a robust accountability process that will provide a durable foundation for national reconciliation and the rule of law in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s decades-long conflict.   To that end, the United States welcomes UN Secretary General Ban’s announcement of a panel of experts to provide advice on relevant best practices for investigations into the alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.   To be successful, Sri Lanka’s domestic “Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission” should apply the best practices from similar commissions in other countries.  We strongly urge the Government of Sri Lanka to take advantage of this UN Panel’s expertise.

###