Brussels, 15/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 15 September, Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, expressed his “grave concern over the escalation of the conflict in Sri Lanka” and reminded all sides that they should “fully respect international humanitarian law”.
“I am deeply troubled by the escalation of the violence in Sri Lanka and the terrible impact it is having on the lives of so many innocent civilians”, Louis Michel stresses in a press release, going on to say: “The situation is made all the worse because international relief efforts are having to be suspended because the safety of humanitarian workers cannot be ensured”. For the past few weeks, the government of Sri Lanka has been preparing a large-scale offensive in the northern part of the island, part of which is controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Further to the withdrawal of the United Nations and international organisations from the area, as requested by the Sri Lankan government, thousands of people are trapped by the conflict without access to basic humanitarian provisions, the Commission states with concern. “Both sides should guarantee the safe transit of humanitarian convoys with food, medical and other essential supplies to people in need”, Mr Michel says, adding: “civilians should be guaranteed safe passage to leave the conflict area and relocate in safer areas”. (O.L./transl.jl)