* Miliband updates British parliament on developments in Sri Lanka
Wed, Feb 24, 2010, 12:58 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Feb 23, Colombo: In a written statement, the British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has updated the Britain's parliament on the recent developments in the political and humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka.

In his statement Miliband says the UK government urged the Sri Lankan President to use his resounding mandate for a second term to bring about a real progress in the national reconciliation.

While acknowledging the President's positive comments about the need to focus on the concerns of Tamils and to discuss the devolution of powers, the Foreign Secretary said setting out plans for political reform would be a welcome next step.

Although the election monitors and the Election Commissioner in unison declared the result of the election is valid, Miliband expressed concern over the pre-poll violence during the run up to the presidential elections on January 26th and urged the government to address these concerns by conducting thorough investigations into any allegations of electoral malpractice.

Referring to arrest of presidential contender General Sarath Fonseka, Miliband said the government needs to ensure that all detainees, including Fonseka, are treated strictly in accordance with Sri Lankan law.

Miliband reiterating the West's stand on Sri Lanka's alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law said the UK is waiting with interest the findings of the committee set up by President Rajapaksa to look into the U.S. State Department report.

Commenting on the withdrawal of the GSP+ trade benefits from Sri Lanka, Miliband urged the government to engage constructively with the European Commission and to take all necessary steps to address the serious concerns highlighted in the Commission's report.

However, he said the most important issue is the resettlement of the remaining Internally Displaced Persons in the welfare camps in the North. "We will continue to work with international partners and with the Sri Lankan Government to encourage progress on reconciliation, accountability and human rights as a basis for the lasting peace all Sri Lankans want and deserve," Miliband's statement to the British parliament said.

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