United Nations, 14 May, (Asiantribune.com): The UN Security Council has strongly condemned the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for its acts of terrorism over many years, and for its continued use of civilians as human shields, and acknowledges the legitimate right of the Government of Sri Lanka to combat terrorism.
In press statement on Sri Lanka, which was read out yesterday by Council President Vitaly Churkin, said that the members of the Security Council has demanded the LTTE to lay down its arms and allow the tens of thousands of civilians still in the conflict zone to leave.
The statement further said that the members of the Security Council has also expressed deep concern at the reports of continued use of heavy calibre weapons in areas with high concentrations of civilians, and expect the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfill its commitment in this regard.
The statement said that the members of the Security Council have demanded that all parties respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.
The following is the UN Security Council press statement on Sri Lanka was read out yesterday by Council President Vitaly Churkin ( Russian Federation):
• The members of the Security Council express grave concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in north-east Sri Lanka, in particular the reports of hundreds of civilian casualties in recent days, and call for urgent action by all parties to ensure the safety of civilians.
• The members of the Security Council strongly condemn the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for its acts of terrorism over many years, and for its continued use of civilians as human shields, and acknowledge the legitimate right of the Government of Sri Lanka to combat terrorism.
• The members of the Security Council demand that the LTTE lay down its arms and allow the tens of thousands of civilians still in the conflict zone to leave.
• The members of the Security Council express deep concern at the reports of continued use of heavy calibre weapons in areas with high concentrations of civilians, and expect the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfil its commitment in this regard.
• The members of the Security Council demand that all parties respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.
• The members of the Security Council call on the Government of Sri Lanka to take the further necessary steps to facilitate the evacuation of the trapped civilians and the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance to them.
• The members of the Security Council take note of the steps taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to address the humanitarian situation of displaced persons and call on the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure the security of those displaced by the conflict and to cooperate with the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other international humanitarian organizations in providing humanitarian relief and access to them as soon as they leave the conflict zone.
• The members of the Security Council reiterate support for the personal involvement of the UN Secretary General and urge the Government of Sri Lanka to extend full cooperation to the United Nations in order to resolve the humanitarian crisis.
• The members of the Security Council, mindful of the necessity to find a long-term solution without the threat of violence, underline that the needs of all communities in Sri Lanka have to be addressed.
- Asian Tribune -
Comments
I wonder if Sri Lanka cannot
I wonder if Sri Lanka cannot push for the Security Council to debate (not informally discuss) the war US/UK are fighting in Pakistan and Afghanistan? I know it cannot happen and even if by some quirk of fate it does US and UK are not going to abide by any resolutions passed. It was US/UK led allies that invaded Iraq with no UN mandate, on the pretext of eliminating WMDs (weapons of Mass Destruction). It was they who tortured prisoners in Abu Graib and Guantanmo Bay. So it is these perpetrators of torture of terror suspects that are now preaching to the GoSL about ensuring the safety of civilians. How ironic.
Can Obama or any US or UK administrator guarantee that the LTTE will release civilians if there is any ceasefire? It won't happen because they (the LTTE) know for sure that if the civilians are not available to hide behind, the SL army will wipe them out. In fact as has been said be the Secretary of Defence, Sri Lanka, the army personnel are suffering death and injury and the final solution is delayed because the SL army is careful and considerate of the civilians in the no fire zone.
To the US, UK and the allies all I can say is Physician, heal thyself.
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