JAPANESE SPECIAL ENVOY YASUSHI AKASHI SAYS:

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JAPANESE SPECIAL ENVOY YASUSHI AKASHI SAYS:
UN should not interfere
*Struck by changes for the better
*President keen on national reconciliation
The United Nations (UN) should not interfere in Sri Lanka but only offer suggestions and ideas in dialogue with the Government, visiting Japanese Special Envoy Yasushi Akashi told reporters in Colombo yesterday. Adding that the proposed UN panel to advise Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Sri Lanka could be useful, Akashi noted that its purpose should be to offer insight\view to the Government if needed, which has also created its own Commission of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation.
While welcoming the Government's intent to appoint the Commission as a positive step towards peace building and reconciliation efforts in the post conflict era, Akashi said Sri Lanka could count on Japanese Government assistance to build on the efforts.
Ending his 20th visit to the country, Akashi expressed optimism of the positive changes taking place in the post conflict Sri Lanka, saying that it was a great opportunity for national and ethnic reconciliation.
Commenting on his experiences during a visit to the formerly war ravaged North, Akashi noted that he was quite struck by the changes which he identified as changes for the better.
The alleviation of tension and the disappearance of an atmosphere of fear which prevailed earlier was quite evident, he added.
The progress of IDP resettlement too was commended while he added that a lot more had to be done to improve their livelihoods. Replying to media queries regarding the negative attitude of certain governments, NGO and sections of the Tamil diaspora, Akashi noted that they should be equipped with relevant knowledge about what is taking place in Sri Lanka.
More than just condemn and criticise it is important to understand the nature of challenges Sri Lanka is faced with.
"If they come here and take a first hand look at what is happening, they too would be impressed," he observed.
Akashi added that Japan would always try to bridge this perception gap and build mutual understanding by engaging in constant dialogue with the relevant parties.
Answering a query on LTTE detainees Akashi said the Government had genuine security concerns in this regard and added that he was confident that authorities would take action to help them.
Commenting on the outcome of his meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Akashi said that the President was very keen on bringing in necessary constitutional and other changes to supplement the ethnic reconciliation and peace building process.
Akashi also said 39 billion Yen would be given to Sri Lanka as development assistance for rural roads, power, health, infrastructure and resettlement. Ending his interaction with the Media, Akashi said Sri Lanka had every reason to be confident and satisfied with the ongoing efforts and look to the future with optimism and hope. They can count on the goodwill and support of the international community, including Japan in this endeavour, he added.
Courtesy :Daily News