Monthly archive

By Farzana Shah-Asian Tribune Correspondent in Pakistan

Military operation continued on Wednesday in Northwestern Pakistan after militants seized key government offices in Swat. According to security forces sixty-four militants were killed on Wednesday in fighting in Swat and Buner districts. The army said 37 militants were killed in two clashes in the Swat Valley. Clashes erupted between security forces and militants near an emerald mine in Mingora held by the Taliban, leaving 45 militants and 35 civilians dead. The military said militants were attacked as a response after militants attacked troops and government buildings. Militants also set two private banks on fire after looting them.

Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama stated that more pressure must be brought upon the LTTE by the international community, including punitive measures on its international network present in the UK, when a delegation comprising a cross-party group of Members of Parliament from the United Kingdom called on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, (05 May). He cautioned British MPs to carefully evaluate their participation in events and programmes organized by LTTE front organizations, as it only leads to these operatives to seek legitimacy purporting to be endorsement with such presence

M.A. Qader-Asian Tribune Correspondent in Bangladesh

The five-day Bangladesh- UK joint naval exercise dubbed 'Shomudro Torongo' off Kutubdia Island in the Bay of Bengal concluded on May 3, a British high commission press statement said Wednesday. The high commission in the statement said the exercise aimed to share expertise to combat terrorism and preparedness for natural disasters in the region. The Bangladesh Navy and the Royal Navy assembled their forces for a finale that saw them practicing

Daya Gamage – US National Correspondent Asian Tribune

"We are trying quietly -- and I can't talk too much about this-- but we are trying quietly behind the scene to find a way to bring an end to the fighting. It's very difficult to see exactly how that's going to happen, but we think there are a couple of elements that need to be involved, and we need to find a way for the LTTE to surrender arms possibly to a third party in the context of a pause in the fighting, to surrender their arms in exchange for some sort of limited amnesty to at least some members of the LTTE and the beginning of a political process" is what a U.S. State Department official who is knowledgeable about a covert attempt to pressure both the Government of Sri Lanka and the rebel LTTE says.

The Canadian Democratic Tamil Cultural Association based in Toronto has thanked the Canadian Prime Minister Stephan Harper for sending Bev Oda, Minister of International Cooperation to Sri Lanka and for funding of $7.5 Million to meet the humanitarian needs of the Tamil community displaced by war. "Canada has once again proven itself by assisting Displaced Tamils in Sri Lanka. The Canadian Government continues to accomplish achievements in the social and humanitarian fields. There is substantial evidence that these efforts made by the Government of Canada is highly appreciated and welcomed".

Hilary Rajakarunanayake, Asian Tribune Editor in Sri Lanka

"The Government of Sri Lanka, more than any other party, has the greatest concern for the welfare of the innocent Tamil civilians, escaping from the clutches of the LTTE", said President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The President said so, after accepting a donation of Rs. 25 million cash and goods valued at over Rs. 20 million made by institutions under the Finance and Planning Ministry for distribution among displaced civilians. Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya was also associated at a symbolic donation ceremony held on Wednesday at the 'Temple Trees'.

Hilary Rajakarunanayake, Asian Tribune Editor in Sri Lanka

Beverly J Oda, with Mahinda RajapaksaCanada announced that it would increase its aid for civilians up to $7.5 million after International Cooperation Minister Beverly J. Oda toured Northern Sri Lanka to see for herself the situation of the displaced Tamils who escaped from the LTTE grip. At the conclusion of her visit to Sri Lanka, Oda, announced this increase in critical humanitarian aid to assist civilians displaced by the conflict. She said: "This tragic situation for civilians is of grave concern and our Government is responding to the increasing need for assistance."