Addressing a press conference before his departure this evening, B. Lynn Pascoe, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs said the responsibility for carrying out a credible process that meets international standards rests first and foremost with the authorities of Sri Lanka.
Commending Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapaksa's initiative to appoint Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, the USG Pascoe said the UN Chief intends soon to establish a Panel of Experts that will advise him on international standards and comparative experiences with accountability.
"We will be interested in its progress," he said referring to the Sri Lanka's Commission.
USG Pascoe said he had a "good meeting" with President Rajapaksa yesterday, and also held discussions with the cabinet officials responsible for foreign relations, defence, and economic development, as well as the Attorney General.
Pascoe also had met with leaders of the political opposition, Tamil, and Muslim representatives, civil society organizations including human rights and women's groups, and with members of the diplomatic corps during his two-day visit to the country.
The USG visited the Mullaitivu District in the North where government's massive reconstruction projects are progressing.
He acknowledged the government's initiatives for political reconciliation and said the bitterness and division that took decades to accumulate will not dissolve overnight in Sri Lanka, but now is the time to make major efforts to begin healing the wounds.
He commended the partial relaxation of emergency laws in the country and suggested to reduce the military presence in the war-torn region.
The Under-Secretary-General stressed that it is also critical to safeguard the independence of institutions, freedom of the press and the work of non-governmental organizations.
"This would send an important message," he said.
He said the United Nations appreciates the government's efforts in the resettlement process and to restore livelihoods of the people.
The USG welcomed the greater ease with which UN agencies and NGOs can now work in the former conflict zones, and the important progress in clearing mines from these areas.
USG Pascoe reiterated the UN's commitment to assist Sri Lanka to rebuild after the war although there are some disagreements.
"We are engaged on many difficult and sensitive issues. We do not always agree. But as we move forward with our assistance in this post-conflict period, the United Nations will continue to be driven each day by a desire to help build a better future for the people of Sri Lanka," he said in conclusion.
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