The EU demands an urgent inquiry on the death of Tamil civilians

Brussels, 18 May, (Asiantribune.com):The European Union today passed a series of resolutions on the post-war Sri Lanka. They say that they are appalled by the loss of human lives as a result of the conflict, especially those of women and children.

They want the government to start the political process to engage all the communities while addressing the grievances of the minorities.

The EU wants an inquiry into abuses of human rights by both sides in an independent way. It further supports steps taken by the UN to alleviate the human suffering.

The members reiterate that the LTTE are a terrorist organization and condemn the use of civilians as human shield and recruitment of child soldiers.

Among other things taken by the EU is the need of the government to ensure the safety of trapped civilians in the conflict and media freedom.

Speaking about Sri Lanka ahead of the meeting, David Miliband said:

"People all over Europe will be very concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka. There are two aspects that are of particular importance. First of all there's the humanitarian situation for those unknown numbers who are still trapped in the conflict zone, as well as those displaced persons who are in refugee camps.

Secondly there's obviously a crying need for an inclusive political settlement. The tens of thousands of innocent Tamil civilians want to be Sri Lankan citizens of equal rights and equal value and we look forward to the Presidential address that apparently is to take place in the Sri Lankan Parliament tomorrow which will obviously mark what seems to be the end of the military conflict, but also needs to mark very strongly the start of political renewal in which all of Sri Lanka's citizens have equal rights."

Meanwhile, EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said that, "I'm very relieved that at least it seems that the heaviest fighting is over. At the same time the situation of the civilians is still very difficult and fragile," as she arrived in Brussesl earlier on today.

EU unanimouslty asked the government of Sri Lanka let the independent agencies access the civilians who are sheltering in the government-controlled areas. However, it is not clear what they meant by an independent inquiry - whether it is EU or UN.

There was a sense of relief among the members as the news of the death of the rebel hireachy broke out in the moring hours, which inevitably brought the war to a close.

Since the much-feared blood bath did not take place, the EU has struck a balance in publishing the resolutions in this regard. Their admittance that the elected government has a right to deal with terrorists highlight the muted tone in the elite club.

In the light of the death of all top leaders of the LTTE, the EU resoultions have the potential to evolve while taking into accout ground realities and geopolitics in the post-war Sri Lanka.

Given below the full text of the EU Council conclusion on Sri Lanka: 2942nd General Affairs Council meeting, Brussels – 18 May, 2009:

1. The EU is appalled by the loss of innocent civilian lives as a result of the conflict and by the high numbers of casualties, including children, following recent intense fighting in northern Sri Lanka. The fighting must stop now.

2. The EU reiterates its call on the Government of Sri Lanka and all parties to urgently proceed towards a comprehensive political process. The long-term security, post-conflict reconstruction and prosperity of Sri Lanka can only be achieved through an inclusive political solution, based on consent, equality and rule of law, which the EU stands ready to support. The EU calls on all parties to engage without delay in a political process to address the legitimate concerns of all Sri Lanka's communities.

3. The EU calls on the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to take all necessary steps to prevent further loss of life, welcoming the reported escape out of the combat zone of a significant number of civilians. The EU reiterates the need for all parties to a conflict to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law. The EU calls for the alleged violations of these laws to be investigated through an independent inquiry. Those accountable must be brought to justice.

4. The EU welcomes the UN Security Council Press Statement of 13 May and continues to support the efforts of the UN to help alleviate the situation in Sri Lanka. It supports an early visit by the Secretary-General to the country. The EU urges the Government of Sri Lanka to extend full cooperation to the UN in order to resolve the humanitarian crisis.

5. The EU condemns the LTTE, a terrorist organization, in particular for the use of civilians as human shields and the forced recruitment of civilians. The EU calls on the LTTE and its disbanded fighters to lay down its arms, to renounce terrorism and violence once and for all, and to allow all civilians, remaining in the conflict zone, to leave and move to safety.

6. The EU calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to take, without delay, all necessary steps to facilitate the evacuation of the civilians out of the conflict zone, as well as the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance to them, in line with its obligation to protect all people under its jurisdiction. The EU underscores that fighting terrorism must be done in full respect for the rule of law and Human Rights.

7. The EU acknowledges steps already taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to address the humanitarian situation of those it is holding in camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), but significant obstacles remain. The civilian nature of the camps, freedom of movement and early return for IDPs should be ensured. Full and unhindered access to all IDPs must be guaranteed and current restrictions on the humanitarian aid agencies, such as visa and checkpoint problems, should be removed. The EU calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to give the ICRC a monitoring role and share with them lists of persons screened by the Government while leaving the conflict zone.

8. The EU expresses its deep concern about the human rights situation, and considers that ensuring respect of media freedom is crucial. It welcomes the work being undertaken by the UN Special Rapporteurs and joins their call for thorough monitoring of developments. The EU continues to call for appropriate action by the United Nations Human Rights Council."

- Asian Tribune -