Botswana's Minister of Foreign Affairs Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi expressed her country's hope that the new Sri Lankan government would seize the opportunity to make progress and address outstanding human rights issues.
Speaking at the opening day of the 28th session of the Human Rights Council, Ms Venson-Moitoi congratulated Sri Lanka for January's presidential election.
"May I also take this opportunity to congratulate Sri Lanka for their recent Presidential elections, and express our readiness to work with the new Government. An opportunity has arisen for the country to make further progress," she said.
"We hope that the Government will seize this opportunity to further strengthen efforts towards reconciliation, rebuilding peace and security, as well as addressing outstanding human rights issues."
The government of Japan also congratulated Sri Lanka in their opening statement.
"Japan also supports the efforts towards national reconciliation being made by the new government of President Sirisena in Sri Lanka, which began this January," Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Takashi Uto said.
"At the same time we welcome that the constructive dialogue is being had between Sri Lanka and OHCHR and expect such actions will lead to genuine national reconciliation, a goal which Japan will give as much cooperation as possible," he said.
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