05 October, 2007 - Published 14:34 GMT

End impunity: US urges Sri Lanka

The United States has urged Sri Lanka to bring to justice those accused of gross human rights abuses.

US Under Secretary of State, Nicholas Burns, has also urged Sri Lanka to put an end to abductions and disappearances.

A statement issued by the US State Department said Mr. Burns reviewed the human rights in Sri Lanka in a meeting held with foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama, in Washington on Thursday.

"Burns welcomed progress in reducing abductions in Colombo. However, he noted serious concern over credible reports of continued severe human rights abuses in Jaffna and other parts," the statement added.

The United States has also urged Sri Lanka to speed up the process of bringing in a political solution to the national question.

Media freedom

The main opposition UNP decided to boycott the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) called by President Rajapaksa protesting the government's failure to propose a political solution.

Some political parties in the ruling alliance (UPFA) have suggested unitary structure while other parties insisted on Federal-style devolution.

The APRC has failed to agree on a solution package despite repeated pledges to produce the solution as soon as possible.

The US State Department also expressed serious concern over "ongoing threats to freedom of the press", the statement added.