Answering questions in Parliament, Britain’s Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire, once again stated that Sri Lanka has until March 2014, to begin credible domestic accountability processes before the UK will call for an international investigation.

Drawing on previous statements, Swire stated,

“We continue to consistently call for progress on human rights, reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka, both privately and publicly. "

“As a result of our continued concerns, the UK co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council resolution on promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka in March 2013. We have made clear the ongoing importance that the international community attaches to lasting peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister has been clear that if credible domestic accountability processes have not begun properly by March 2014, the UK will use our position on the United Nations Human Rights Council to call for an international investigation.”

Also see our previous posts:

SL rejects March 2014 UN deadline... again (30 September 2013)

EU Parliament sets March 2014 deadline (December 2013)

UK minister reiterates March deadline for Sri Lanka (19 January 2014)

British Foreign Secretary reiterates March deadline for SL war crimes probe (04 December 2013)

Britain sets March deadline for war crimes probe, Sri Lanka defiant (16 November 2013)