David Cameron urges Sri Lanka to do more on human rights
David Cameron: "It means credible, transparent and independent investigations into alleged war crimes"
David Cameron has urged Sri Lanka's president to go further and faster over human rights issues and reconciliation following the country's civil war.
The prime minister met Mahinda Rajapaksa after a visit to the northern Jaffna region to see the situation facing the country's Tamil minority.
Mr Cameron said he called on him to set up an independent inquiry into alleged war crimes - or face a UN probe.
He said strong views had been expressed but the meeting had been worthwhile.
Mr Cameron was speaking at a news conference in the capital Colombo, ahead of the Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka.
He said: "I accept it takes time but I think what matters is getting on the right pathway, getting on the right track, because it's only through generosity, through reconciling people that you can make the most of this country.
"So, a frank meeting - of course not everything I said was accepted but I sense that they do want to make progress on these issues and it will help frankly by having international pressure in order to make sure that that happens."
No comments:
Post a Comment