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Solheim calls for international inquiry

The former Norwegian minister Eric Solheim has called on the international community to hold an investigation into the “tens of thousands” of deaths during the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka.

Solheim, who used to be heavily involved during the peace process between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan Government, said in an email to Xinhua, that the Tamil diaspora can play a key role in Sri Lanka.

"Tens of thousands of humans perished in the last phase of the Sri Lankan war. Time has long passed when the international community will close its eyes and allow impunity for alleged war crimes. As long as there is no credible domestic process in Sri Lanka, the international community should start an international enquiry," Xinhua quoted the former Norwegian minister.

"The diaspora should come together on a platform of nonviolent struggle under the leadership of Tamils resident in Sri Lanka. They should reach out to Muslims, Singhalese and others to restore democracy and promote economic and social progress," he said.

Solheim, considered an LTTE supporter by the majority of Sri Lanka, according to ColomboPage, said there can be no excuse for delaying the restoration of democracy.

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