15/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - The EU has welcomed the two-day ceasefire declared by the Sri Lankan government, but remains “deeply concerned” by the difficult situation in which civilians find themselves trapped in the conflict zone. The truce should be extended in order to facilitate humanitarian operations and ensure the physical safety of all civilians, says the Czech Presidency of the EU in a statement published on 14 April. The Presidency urges the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) to allow civilians to leave the conflict zone. Government forces and the LTTE are also urged to respect human rights and international humanitarian law. (H.B./transl.rt)