This photograph released by the Sri Lankan military on May 15, 2009 shows what the army says are civilians fleeing from the area inside the 'No Fire Zone' that is still held by the Tiger rebels. Photo from People's Daily OnlineSri Lanka, UN Duel Over Wartime Investigations -- Christian Science Monitor
A UN panel is set to monitor how Sri Lanka responds to allegations of violating human rights during the end of its civil war with the Tamil Tigers. But Sri Lanka has resisted this and other outside attempts at accountability.
One year after Sri Lanka’s decisive victory over Tamil insurgents, controversy still swirls over the bloody end to the 26-year civil war.
Sri Lankan officials argue that they defeated an outlawed terrorist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which had refused to make peace. They insist that their military strategy was legitimate and had popular support. Political leaders have drawn parallels to America's wartime actions and asked why nobody calls Western powers to account for civilian suffering.
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My Comment: This blog covered the end of the Sri Lankan civil war extensively with daily posts .... it was not pretty. The pictures that were emailed to me, the stories that I read, the witness accounts from Sri Lankan soldiers themselves .... the last two months were bloody, messy, indiscriminate, and horrifying. Thousands died needlessly .... and even more injured.
Does the Sri Lankan Government want this story to be told again .... right now .... I doubt it.
I know that one day there will be a reconciliation and examination of the war. Some accountability will need to be addressed, and some decisions will need to be explained and understood. But not now .... the wounds are still fresh and deep and the bitterness is still there. But do understand that other agendas are at work right now .... and like the end of the Sri Lankan war this debate on a UN war crimes investigation is not going to be pretty.
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