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EU to stress accountability at UNHRC

Lulia Costea, press officer to Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative, stressed the European Union's belief in an 'independent process' to establish accountability for allegations of war crimes, during an interview with the Sunday Leader newspaper.

She warned the EU expected the government of Sri Lanka to 'respond positively' to the findings of the UN panel of experts at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) later this month. 

“As EU High Representative Catherine Ashton has recalled, the EU believes that an independent process to address the extremely serious allegations contained in the report of the UN Secretary-General’s Panel of Experts should contribute to strengthening the process of reconciliation and ensuring lasting peace and security in Sri Lanka.”

“Should this matter be discussed at the Human Rights Council, the EU will continue to encourage the Government of Sri Lanka to respond positively to the report and address the issue of accountability as an essential part of the process of national reconciliation and, in this context, to engage with the UNSG on the contents of the report.”

Catherine Ashton was appointed Vice-President of the European Commission in 2010. Her term ends in 2014.

On her appointment Ashton reiterated the EU's commitment to 'universality and indivisibility of human rights' as an integral part of EU foreign policy. 

"I am looking forward to working closely with colleagues in the Council, the Commission, the European Parliament and the Member States to strengthen Europe's foreign policy"

"We will do this with determination and with full respect for the values that the European Union stands for, above all peace and prosperity, freedom and democracy, the rule of law and the universality and indivisibility of human rights."

See 'European Parliament also welcomes UN expert panel’s report'

See our editorial, 27th May 2011, 'One farce too many'

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