High ranking US envoys to visit SL

31 January 2012 04:29 am - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Two high-ranking US envoys will visit Sri Lanka early next month to assess the impact of US sanctions on Iran, and to also raise sensitive human rights issues ahead of the crucial United Nations Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva, late February.

Luke Bronin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, will arrive on February 2 to discuss how US sanctions will affect the Sri Lankan financial system with government officials while Stephen J. Rapp, Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues is due on February 5.

Plantations Minister and Special Envoy for Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe said that he was yet to be officially informed of Rapp’s visit and that no meeting had been fixed with the US envoy.

A spokesperson for the US Embassy, when asked for details about Rapp’s visit to Colombo said, “We are still working on his schedule”.

Ambassador Rapp is the head of the State Department Office of Global Criminal Justice. According to the US State Department website, Ambassador Rapp’s Office “advises the Secretary of State and Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights and formulates U.S. policy on prevention and accountability for mass atrocities. It also works closely with other governments, international institutions, and non-government organizations to establish and assist international and domestic commissions, courts and tribunals to investigate, judge, and deter atrocity crimes in every region of the globe.”

The State Department website further states, “The Ambassador-at-Large coordinates the deployment of a range of diplomatic, legal, economic, military, and intelligence tools to help expose the truth, judge those responsible, protect and assist victims, enable reconciliation, and build the rule of law.”

Four top U.S. government officials recently concluded separate visits to the country and had discussions with government officials, political and business leaders, and members of civil society.

Ambassador James A. Larocco from the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies at the U.S. Department of Defence National Defence University was in Sri Lanka and Maldives from January 15-19.

Ms. Holly Vineyard, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia at the U.S. Department of Commerce visited the country from January 17-19.

Dr. Alyssa Ayres, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia at the U.S. Department of State visited Sri Lanka and Maldives from January 18-24.

Mr. Thomas O. Melia, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor at the U.S. Department of State was in the country from January 20-26, 2012. (Ayesha Zuhair)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 5

Nicky Karunarathna Tuesday, 31 January 2012 05:02 AM

Give these guys list US human right issues where whole world is worried about lisiting from former IAEA chief Al Baradai's book starting from killing of 800,000 Iraqis, Bradly Manning, Gitmo, Wikileakes disclosure about killing all over the world. Then Bin larden killing. Asked them to answer first and reply their question later.

Aristotle Tuesday, 31 January 2012 05:08 AM

Thanks for visiting Sri Lanka. We look forward to your visit.

Javi Tuesday, 31 January 2012 05:44 AM

Is this country, US colonised now?

Mifaz Tuesday, 31 January 2012 07:41 AM

Thats a good one, but even before US colonizingus, INDIA & CHINA will take over. What a funny administration we have.

Nodrog Tuesday, 31 January 2012 11:00 AM

Why are we allowing this? If it's the UN envoys than ok but the US? They have so many black-marks and they want to check up on our spots? Height of hypocrisy!

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

High ranking US envoys to visit SL

Comments - 5

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Government defends outsourcing of visa process

“Ranil Ralla” : Will Wickremesinghe ride on a winning wave?

Supreme Court rules Diana Gamage ineligible for parliamentary seat

VFS Global is here to stay for at least 12 years, says Tiran

Sri Lanka face unusual dilemma

Racism, body-shaming fly high with Air Belgium crew against SriLankan staff

MIRROR CRICKET

Former netball star Kretser to head CDTA

Sri Lanka Cricket raises player fees across all formats

Plans approved for £61.8m redevelopment of Lord’s

Sri Lanka great tips Sanju Samson to thrive at T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Battery-operated toys pose risks to kids

1,000 Sri Lankan mercenaries in Russia -Ukraine war front as mercenaries

Homagama jewellery shop robbed at gunpoint

SJB nominates Mujibur as MP despite request to appoint a woman representative in place of Diana

Former netball star Kretser to head CDTA

Former SL netball captain fails doping test

Plans approved for £61.8m redevelopment of Lord’s

Sri Lanka announces squad for T20 World Cup 2024