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Press Releases

Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC
October 22, 2007

Government of Sri Lanka’s Reaction to High Commissioner Arbour’s Visit

The United States calls on the government of Sri Lanka to reconsider its opposition to expansion of the OHCHR office and mandate in Sri Lanka.  We remain concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka, as confirmed by the recent assessment of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour.  An international human rights presence in Sri Lanka would be an important step in improving human rights, accountability, and the rule of law, and ultimately resolving the conflict in Sri Lanka.