UK calls for 'international involvement' in prosecution of Lankan war criminals

Colombo, July 9 (ANI): Reiterating its commitment to the full implementation of UN resolution on Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom called for 'international involvement' in the prosecution of war crimes. British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire speaking in the Parliament on Sri Lanka's Human Rights on Thursday said that there needs to be an international element in the domestic mechanism for accountability to reassure the communities in Sri Lanka and to show the international community that this is a credible process. "That is what we continue to stress with the Government, with Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Prime Minister, with Mangala Samaraweera, the Foreign Minister, and through Prince Zeid (UN High Commissioner for Human Rights)," the Colombo Page quoted Swire as saying. He said the British Government has always been clear that any accountability mechanism needs to be credible and meet international standards. "We therefore welcomed Sri Lanka's co-sponsorship of UNHRC resolution 30/1. We have reiterated our commitment to its full implementation on a number of occasions, most recently in Geneva last month," he added. Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena had said that he will not allow any foreign court, judge or organization interfere into the internal administration and judiciary in the country. Speaking of demilitarization in the North of Lanka, he said the Army has no reason to be in business in a civilian structure or to be on other people's land. He added that more land returns are essential to build confidence and to allow the resettlement of displaced Tamils. Swire said his country will continue to encourage the Lankan government to prioritize the reform of their security sector. "All forms of sexual and gender-based violence and torture must be addressed," he said. He added, "The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka to take further steps towards peace and prosperity for all its citizens. We do so in a spirit of friendship and co-operation."(ANI)