US expresses 'Deep Concern' over the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka

Washington, 13 May, (Asiantribune.com): United States of America said that it was deeply concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka.

Ian Kelly, the US State Department Spokesman said that Secretary Clinton is talking to her colleagues about it. He added that the Secretary had a meeting, with the French Foreign Minister Kouchner yesterday, has another one today (12 May). "And I think the Secretary is very concerned about this and very engaged in it."

In a response to question at ‘Daily Press briefing’ held yesterday, US State Department Spokesperson Ian Kelly pointed out, "I think there’s two main channels here. One is a diplomatic effort and that’s taking place, of course, at the UN. It’s taking place, as I mentioned before, on a bilateral level. And that, of course, is to try and press the Government of Sri Lanka to adhere to international standards for the operations of camps, to press them to stop the use of heavy weapons, to allow civilians to leave the conflict zone. So that’s one track.

"And of course, the other track is to help these people, to provide humanitarian assistance. And that would be best done, of course, in a coordinated fashion, both through the UN and with our allies."

US State Department Spokesperson Ian Kelly responded to questions raised by the media persons as follows:

Question On Sri Lanka, there continues to be some serious incidents involving civilian deaths. I know that the U.S. put out a couple of statements yesterday. Is there anything going on so diplomatically beyond the rhetoric to try to deal with that situation?

Ian Kelly: This is a –we’re deeply concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka. Secretary Clinton is talking to her colleagues about it. I think you saw the comments of Foreign Minister Kouchner and Foreign Minister Miliband yesterday. The Secretary had a meeting, of course, with Foreign Minister Kouchner yesterday, has another one today. And I think the Secretary is very concerned about this and very engaged in it.

Question: What could you do – you could do something in common with the British and the French, trilateral action? What do you envision?

Ian Kelly: Well, I think it’s – I think there’s two main channels here. One is a diplomatic effort and that’s taking place, of course, at the UN. It’s taking place, as I mentioned before, on a bilateral level. And that, of course, is to try and press the Government of Sri Lanka to adhere to international standards for the operations of camps, to press them to stop the use of heavy weapons, to allow civilians to leave the conflict zone. So that’s one track.

And of course, the other track is to help these people, to provide humanitarian assistance. And that would be best done, of course, in a coordinated fashion, both through the UN and with our allies.

- Asian Tribune -