ANKARA
by Betul Yuruk
A possible third UN resolution proposed by the U.S. calling on Sri Lanka to do more to investigate allegations of war crimes conducted in the last six months of the civil war, would be a "wrong step," Sri Lankan Ambassador to Turkey Bharathi Wyeratne told Anadolu Agency correspondent on Tuesday.
"I come from a family that had been the victims of the LTTE ( the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam). My eldest uncle, who was the defense minister, was assassinated in a car bombing," Ambassador Wyeratne said. "Did we have human rights at that time? Why are they (the international community) only trying to investigate the last six months of the war. Why won't they investigate from the beginning for all the murders, suicide bombings."
She said Sri Lanka was ready to face war crimes, criticizing the US for taking a "wrong step" and accusing the LTTE of being a terrorist organization.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said Tuesday that it would be a "grave crime" if anyone brings war crime allegations against his government adding it would be a victory for forces opposed to peace on the island nation.
According to a U.N. report, as many as 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed in the final months of the war and both government forces and Tamil rebels committed atrocities, but army shelling killed most victims.
The U.S. which has already sponsored two resolutions calling on the Sri Lankan government to launch an inquiry into allegations of war crimes, is seeking a third one.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
