By Wajid Ali Syed – Washington Correspondent for Asian Tribune
Washington, 19 May, (Asiantribune.com): The quarter-century civil war in Sri Lanka has come to a dramatic end when the army wiped out the entire leadership of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, including the leader who founded the rebel group.
It is an ending all but unimaginable just a few years ago when the rebels ran a virtual Tamil state, controlling much of the north and east under their control.
It took a little time for the international community to respond to the event, partially because of the weekend.
The US Department of State early Monday welcomed the fact that the fighting has ended. "We are relieved that the immense loss of life and killing of innocent civilians appears to be over," The department spokesperson Ian Kelly said, adding that this is an opportunity for Sri Lanka to turn the page on its past, and build a Sri Lanka rooted in democracy, tolerance and respect for human rights.
Earlier, the European Union called for an independent investigation to determine if human-rights laws were violated.
But Sri Lanka says its military freed more than 70,000 civilians who had been held "hostage" by the LTTE, which was widely praised. US responded that "Its time for the Sri Lanka government to engage the Tamils, Sinhalese and other Sri Lankans to create a political arrangement that promotes and protects the rights of all Sri Lankans." Hinting that no such crisis occur again - it’s better to engage all the community in the main stream.
The international community is also putting pressure on Sri Lanka to allow access to the strip of northeastern coast where heavy fighting took place for days.
UN spokesman Gordon Weiss said that it is essential for treating any remaining wounded or ill civilians who may have been left behind.
US asked the Sri Lanka government to provide for the needs of the 280,000 civilians now living in relief camps, providing food, water and shelter and basic health care and sanitation. "as expediting their return to their homes...should be a top priority for the government," the spokesperson concluded.
- Asian Tribune -
Comments
Finally! Thanks US for your
Finally! Thanks US for your clearer view!
Will Secretary of State,
Will Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton now express her "regret" for the unwarranted remark she made a few days ago arrogating to herself the right to speak for the entire world?
Why is the US harping on
Why is the US harping on civilians "killed" without any appreciation of, and no reference to the "civilians saved". Is counting the dead more important than those liberated after war?
Is this the way the US has conducted war both in the past, and now?
So many concerned foreign
So many concerned foreign politicians to give advice.
Are there any to give a balanced appreciation to the task that was complete.
On the other hand these countries waged their own wars against there aggressors and lost.
How could they taste what was accomplished in SriLanka.
We can give you advice how to take care of the terrorists.
You have them in your countries disrupting your way of life.
Take care of them first.
Yes, as Mr. president said
Yes, as Mr. president said we are ready hear any advice, but not to follow those.
Obama and Brown, don’t be
Obama and Brown, don’t be shy to learn from Mahinda!
A small South Asian country has completely wiped out terrorism in an era where the terrorism has become the biggest threat to the world. Military super powers of the world are still struggling to counteract the terrorism and still unable to achieve something to cheer about. It was internationally accepted that the LTTE as the most ruthless terrorist outfit in the World. LTTE was the only terrorist group in the world with a Navy and an Air Force. They took the terrorism in to another level by introducing suicide bombers. LTTE was having their own administrative system and law enforcement mechanism in the areas under their control. Simply speaking, Al Qaida is just a gang of school boys when compared to LTTE.
It is astonishing how the Sri Lankan armed forces destroyed LTTE with very limited resources. The military equipments used by Sri Lankan armies were primitive when compared to US, UK or Israel military power. The biggest weapon used by Sri Lankan soldiers in this war was nothing but the unshakable patriotism and self belief (On the other hand, a US soldier in Iraq may wonder why he is out there in Iraq, his insight know that the reasons cannot be justifiable).
It is unbelievable how this 3rd world country defeated the LTTE fighting alone, without the help of any Military superpower. In fact, so called fighters against terrorism like USA and UK were enormously pressurizing Sri Lankan government to stop military operations. It is so difficult to imagine how president Mahinda diplomatically negotiated with these super powers, keeping his strong backbone. Ultimately it is so funny that USA, UK and India were just spectators of this great show. The secret is nothing but the strong background of Sinhala-Buddhism in all patriot Sri Lankans, lead by President, Defense secretary and all commanders of armed forces. Undoubtedly, Sinhalese are the most peaceful nation on earth, if any doubt, please ask on that from any Muslim or a Tamil in Sri Lanka, they will tell the truth.
Mr. Obama and Mr. Brown, there are lots and lots of things to learn for you from Mr. Rajapakshe. Now as Sri Lankans, we are so proud to be ruled by the strongest leader on earth, His Excellency, Honorable Mahinda Rajapakshe.
Long live our beloved President, Defense secretary, Commanders and members of all the armed forces!
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