The UN has said it is exploring a broad package of technical and financial assistance to Sri Lanka to advance the government's efforts to achieve reconciliation with the Tamil minority community.
"At the request of the Government of Sri Lanka, the UN is exploring the provision of a broad package of technical and financial assistance in consultation with all key stakeholders," Stphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said yesterday.
"The framework of UN support for peacebuilding in Sri Lanka was presented in Sri Lanka last June by the Resident Coordinator.
The UN's support is always built on the basis of inclusive, transparent and participatory consultations with all key stakeholders, he said.
Dujarric said $1 million has already been disbursed to support resettlement and integration initiatives for the internally displaced persons in the north and east on seized land that has been returned by the government.
"For the rest, the UN continues to consult with the Government of Sri Lanka, and all key stakeholders, to finalise the details of UN support," he said.
The UN believes that there should be genuine and inclusive consultations on a national basis, including the Northern Province, to help arrive at the right model in the Sri Lankan context, Dujarric said.
He said the UN supports the government and the people of Sri Lanka in their efforts to advance reconciliation and accountability.
He said the principle of inclusive, participatory and consultative processes will apply to UN support for the establishment of credible accountability and reconciliation mechanisms that meet international standards.
(The Economic Times)
