EU calls for inquiry into Sri Lanka 'abuses'

By David Brunnstrom

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union called on Monday for an independent investigation into alleged violations of human rights law in Sri Lanka's war, and a "fully inclusive" political settlement following the defeat of the Tamil Tigers.

EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels said the 27-nation bloc was appalled by the loss of innocent lives and the high numbers of casualties, including children, in fighting between government forces and the Tamil Tiger rebels.

"As the fighting draws to an end, the EU...calls on the President of Sri Lanka to outline a clear process leading to a fully inclusive political solution, based on consent, equality and rule of law," EU foreign ministers said in a statement.

At a meeting in Brussels the ministers stressed the need for respect of international humanitarian and human rights law.

"The EU calls for the alleged violations of these laws to be investigated through an independent inquiry. Those accountable must be brought to justice," their statement said.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Kohout told a news briefing that in principle the inquiry should be carried out by Sri Lankan authorities but it could involve non-government and U.N. bodies.

The Sri Lankan military said on Monday its troops had won the final battle in a 25-year separatist conflict. Special forces troops killed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran as he tried to flee the war zone in an ambulance early on Monday, state television reported.

While calling the Tamil Tigers a terrorist movement using civilians as human shields, the EU said human rights had to be respected in the fight against terrorism.