Ban Ki-moon supports Pillay’s investigation - Dujarric

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon fully supports the OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka, Spokesperson for Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric says.

He made the observation in return for a question asked by a journalist at the daily press briefing by the office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. 

Question:  I want to ask about Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and more, if you’ll allow.  On Sri Lanka, the President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, met with foreign press today and said he will not grant visas to the panel of inquiry into the war crimes of 2009.  And I wanted to know:  given the Secretary General’s visit there in 2009 and statements since, what is his response to this public statement by the President?

Spokesman:  Okay, I think as you know and as we’ve stated here the Secretary General fully supports the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  And commends the leadership she’s demonstrated to assist Sri Lanka in advancing accountability and reconciliation.  The Secretary General encourages Sri Lanka to cooperate with the inquiry led by the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, that was established by the Human Rights Council.  He reiterates the importance for the Government and the people of Sri Lanka to constructively engage with the entire UN system as it would help the country make constant progress development, lasting peace and protection of Human Rights.  One more.