US SAYS WILL CONTINUE TO PROSECUTE LTTE ACTIVISTS

Despite attempts to push the government of Sri Lanka towards an inquiry into accountability issues, the United States said it continued to prosecute members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

US embassy’s Press and Cultural Affairs Counselor Christopher L. Teal told a news conference that the LTTE continued to remain a proscribed organization, and individuals who supplied material to the terrorist outfit had been prose- cuted.

“Last year, there was a couple of pending cases in New York. The individuals supplying materials to the LTTE were prosecuted. We also deported a Singaporean citizen last week,” he said.

However, referring to the visit of US Ambassador on war crimes Stephen J. Rapp to Sri Lanka, he said the Ambassador was here particularly to get a better understanding on the situation in Sri Lanka, largely focussing on the former war zone. Mr. Teal said Mr. Rapp visited a number of sites including the area where the final battle was fought amidst accusations of violations of the international humanitarian law and human rights abuses.

The individuals supplying materials to the LTTE were prosecuted. We also deported a Singaporean citizen last week

Shellings and killings of civilians were among the reports we heard. That is why a credible, independent investigation must takes place.

“Shellings and killings of civilians were among the reports we heard. That is why a credible, independent investigation must takes place. Investigations are necessary to determine the truth and begin a process of healing,” he said.

He made specific reference to the Human Rights Watch report published in 2009 outlining an incident in which a shell attack allegedly killed seven civilians and injured 15 on January 24 that year, according to an eyewitness account. Mr. Teal said the US could hear from some other individuals who corroborated with this information reported by the HRW even at that time.

He cited the Ambassador’s visit an ideal opportunity for us to hear from various parties including the government to see what Sri Lanka could do to address accountability and national reconciliation. Also, he noted that the US granted US $ 2.5 million to set up a forensic laboratory last June, and it could be used in the process of investigations.

He made specific reference to the Human Rights Watch report published in 2009 outlining an incident in which a shell attack allegedly killed seven civilians