International war crimes investigation is the only first step says UK opposition leader

30 January 2015

The leader of the UK Labour Party Ed Miliband repeated his call for an independent international investigation into mass atrocities, stating it would be the first step towards satisfying Tamil grievances around the world. In a video message to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tamils annual dinner, Mr Milband called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to “fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation” being carried out by the UN Office of the High Commission for Human Rights. “I am very clear,” said the UK opposition leader. “Only a full and transparent independent international investigation into allegations of war crimes can be the first step towards satisfying and allaying the deep hurt and grievances of Tamils in Britain and around the world.” Mr Miliband pledged that a full international investigation “is the Labour Party’s position, that will remain our position in opposition and into Government and that is the investigation that we want to see happen.” The Labour Party leader also celebrated the contribution that Tamils have made to Britain, saying “across every walk of life from the arts to business to the economy you make an extraordinary contribution.” “I am proud of the contribution that British Tamils make to our country,” said Mr Miliband. “I look forward to that relationship going from strength to strength in the years ahead.”