The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian affairs, Nisha Biswal, said the "patience of the international community is wearing thin with the pace of progress" at a press conference in today, reports AFP.
Following her meetings with Tamil groups including activists, journalists and politicians in the North-East today, Biswal told journalists at a media briefing that whilst the US favoured an internal process, there had been no progress.
"Whilst our preference has always been for a Sri Lankan process to unfold, I have also very clearly noted that lack of progress in Sri Lanka has led to a great deal of frustration and scepticism in my government and in the international community and as I have said patience is wearing thin," she said, answering questions posed by the journalists.
"Almost five years after the end of the conflict, meaningful steps are yet to be taken. It has been the desire of many to provide space for the Sri Lankan people to come to together to heal the wounds of war, but when that space is not used productively and aggressively to pursue peace, to pursue reconciliation, to pursue justice and accountability, it draws the concern of the international community and that is where we find ourselves."
"I would say that there has not been sufficient action by the government to address issues of justice and accountability. We heard from many people about people who are still unaccounted for, whose whereabouts and fate unknown to their family members. We heard about individuals and organisations that continue to feel threatened and intimidated. And when such a climate persists give years after the end of conflict, then I think that there is some cause for those individuals to feel that an international process is needed."
"We are talking to and working closely with colleagues across the international community, including the Indian government, with whom we talk on a regular basis about bilateral and regional issues, both in Washington and New Delhi. I will be going to Geneva as I leave Sri Lanka, and I will seek an opportunity to meet with the Indian High Commissioner whilst I am there. We are not at this point discussing sanctions. We are still very much committed to seeing progress on these issues."
In a statement to journalists gathered at the media briefing, Biswal said:
"Without justice, and reconciliation, without accountability, there can be no sustained peace and equitable prosperity for the people of Sri Lanka. Respect for human rights and a promotion of transparent and democratic governance are essential. Unfortunately, continued deterioration in these areas is already beginning to take its toll on democracy in Sri Lanka."
"We are concerned about the worsening situation with respect to human rights, including the continued attacks against religious minorities, as well as the weakening of the rule of law and an increase in levels of corruption and impunity. All of these factors lead to undermine the condition of democracy."
"Furthermore we are aware that in the past individuals who have met foreign officials, have been met in turn with intimidatory visits and threatening phone calls. I would say we view this very seriously and find it completely unacceptable."
