Breaking News

Cameron watches Channel-4 video

10 Nov 2013 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

British Prime Minister David Cameron said that he has watched the latest Channel-4 video on alleged war crimes by Sri Lanka and said that Sri Lanka has "serious questions" to answer about war crimes allegedly committed during its civil war, the BBC reported.

Mr Cameron's comments came as he prepared to attend a Commonwealth summit on the island.

The prime minister said he would urge President Rajapaksa to hold an inquiry into the final months of the Sri Lankan civil war when they meet next week.

However, the prime minister has rejected calls to boycott the meeting.

Critics say any engagement with the Sri Lankan government at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) amounts to "collaboration".

But the prime minister insisted that his attendance will help "shine a spotlight" on human rights concerns.

He spoke out after watching a documentary commissioned by Channel 4 about the events of 2009, which features footage of alleged war crimes by government forces.

Mr Cameron said the documentary, called No Fire Zone, was "one of the most chilling documentaries" he had watched.

"It brings home the brutal end to the civil war and the immense suffering of thousands of innocent civilians who kept hoping that they would reach safety, but tragically many did not," he said.

"Many of the images are truly shocking."

He said no-one could regret the end of the terrorist campaign waged by the Tamil Tigers who were responsible for "terrible crimes".

"But that wrong does not change the fact that this documentary raises very serious questions that the Sri Lankan government must answer about what it did to protect innocent civilians - questions that strengthen the case for an independent investigation, questions that need answers if Sri Lanka is to build the truly peaceful and inclusive future its people deserve."

Mr Cameron said "positive steps" such as provincial elections and a commission to investigate the disappearances of tens of thousands of people fell well short of what was required.

"I will raise my concerns when I see President Rajapaksa next week in Colombo," he said.

"And I will tell him that if Sri Lanka doesn't deliver an independent investigation, the world will need to ensure an international investigation is carried out instead."

Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said he would boycott the meeting in protest against alleged human rights abuses in Sri Lanka.

But Downing Street denied any move to downgrade the UK's delegation - which will also include Foreign Secretary William Hague.

Breaking News

Cameron watches Channel-4 video

Most Popular Articles

Alleged mastermind behind Rs. 210 Billion illegal Dollar transfer network arrested

Sri Lankan Rupee appreciates further against US Dollar

Mahayaya Vinita Thera no longer a monk, probe underway

Sri Lanka find right combination in WI defeat

India ready for work once Sri Lanka green-lights project

Colombo Bank legal officer arrested for alleged theft

Latest News

Migrants in US on temporary status should seek permanent residence or leave, Homeland Secretary says

Ben Stokes: England captain to retire from international cricket after New Zealand series

Yatiyantota Traffic Police OIC remanded over missing service firearm

Uganda’s leading media outlets shut down by army chief

Full match schedule & SLST kick-off times: INFOGRAPHIC