'However, we need to clarify, with the statute of Rome, no Sri Lankan can be taken to Hague. We are committed to safeguard our people and address issues faced by minorities within a unitary Sri Lanka,' he said.

The minister was speaking during a media briefing in Colombo this afternoon (17).

The Foreign Minister also said a domestic mechanism will be initiated within a period of 18 months to address concerns of alleged human rights violations during the conflict with the LTTE.

He said the consultation process will commence in the 2nd week of October soon after the UN General Assembly. He said that the government hopes to continue the consultation process towards the end of January.

This will be followed by the implementation of the final ideas generated through this process, he added.

The minister also said that the government is committed to rebuilding the trust deficit and ensure lasting reconciliation among all communities and is 'determined' to create certain institutions which will be able to win the trust and confidence of parties concerned.