The UN Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, stressed on Tuesday that "credible, tangible progress" in reconciliation, accountability and human rights is a "prerequisite to the achievement of sustainable peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka."
In a statement, concluding a four day visit to the island which included a visit to Jaffna where he met with several Tamil politicians, Mr Feltham said there was a strong distrust between the Tamil and Sinhala people.
He urged Sri Lanka's new government to take steps to address ongoing grievances regarding land, detentions, disappearances and military deployment in civilian areas.
Reiterating the UN and the international community's expectation of true accountability which meets internationally acceptable standards, Mr Feltham said: "These are not easy tasks, but we believe that they are essential tasks, expected by the international community and also - more importantly - by the citizens of this country themselves."
"The Secretary-General himself and the UN system more broadly will stand with the people and leaders of Sri Lanka, as they address credibly and thoroughly the accountability and reconciliation issues that, once resolved, will contribute to Sri Lanka's long-term peace and prosperity," he added.
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In a statement, concluding a four day visit to the island which included a visit to Jaffna where he met with several Tamil politicians, Mr Feltham said there was a strong distrust between the Tamil and Sinhala people.
He urged Sri Lanka's new government to take steps to address ongoing grievances regarding land, detentions, disappearances and military deployment in civilian areas.
Reiterating the UN and the international community's expectation of true accountability which meets internationally acceptable standards, Mr Feltham said: "These are not easy tasks, but we believe that they are essential tasks, expected by the international community and also - more importantly - by the citizens of this country themselves."
"The Secretary-General himself and the UN system more broadly will stand with the people and leaders of Sri Lanka, as they address credibly and thoroughly the accountability and reconciliation issues that, once resolved, will contribute to Sri Lanka's long-term peace and prosperity," he added.
Related articles: UN official reassures Wigneswaran OISL report will be released in Sept (02 Mar 2015)