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Sri Lanka insists not to agree to a war crimes probe

Xinhua, April 3, 2017 Adjust font size:

The Sri Lankan government on Monday said that while it will investigate certain crimes which took place during the war between Tamil Tiger rebels and the military, it will not agree to a war crimes probe.

Government spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratne told reporters in the Northern Jaffna town that if there is a war crimes probe then the Tamil Tigers, also known as the LTTE, must also be investigated.

"Who do we investigate in the LTTE? Are there any leaders? We will go for a good settlement," the Minister said.

He said that the main objective of the government is to ensure the final settlement following 30 years of war, gives equal status to all Sri Lankans.

The Minister also said that powers will be devolved to the provinces to ensure the people in the respective areas look after the development of the areas.

Sri Lanka defeated the Tamil Tigers in May 2009 after 30 years of war but the military has been accused of committing war crimes during the finales stages of the war.

The government has initiated a reconciliation process to address the main causes behind the conflict and ensure non-recurrence. Endit