(July 07, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) From yesterday (July 6), the NGOs or other international organizations including the UN are not permitted to enter the "previous war zone" in the North province, the Sri Lanka Guardian learns. According to a source close to the Minister of Defence, this decision was directed by the Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksha, as he seems to be paranoid about the possible collection of credible evidence!
Meanwhile the BBC Sinhala service and other local media in Colombo yesterday aired a voice cut from the Defense Secretary ordering police not to disperse the crowds gathered at the UN premises to obstruct movement of the UN staff.
However, US State Department spokesman Mark Toner, quoted by AFP, said the US supported "people's right to free expression" but also sought a "robust accountability process" to help the island reconcile after decades of war.
"To that end, we welcome UN Secretary (General) Ban's announcement of a panel of experts to provide advice on relevant best practices for investigations into alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law," Toner said.
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