Credible independent investigation is responsibility of sovereign states – UN spokesman
June 1, 2011 12:50 am
The UN Secretary-General had made it clear that he believed that, in a first instance, it is the responsibility of sovereign states to conduct independent investigations of a credible nature into war crimes allegations, UN Secretary General’s spokesman Martin Nesirky has said during the noon briefing on Tuesday.
In response to a question on Sri Lanka, the Spokesperson said that the recommendations of the Panel of Experts are public and available for all to see. He noted that the Secretary-General had made it clear that he believe that, in a first instance, it is the responsibility of sovereign states to conduct independent investigations of a credible nature.
Nesirky added that the Secretary-General had said that he believes there should be consent from Sri Lankan authorities or a mandate from an intergovernmental body concerning an international independent mechanism.
Asked about new video footage of executions during the civil war in Sri Lanka, he said that this underscored again the need for a credible national accountability mechanism.