Govt addressing humanitarian concerns - Foreign Minister
UNITED NATIONS: Government troops are wary of any “collateral” damage
as they move closer to dismantling the Tigers’ uncleared areas, Foreign
Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told AFP at the UN Thursday.
“We are trying to defeat terrorism and to that extent, whatever
engagement is confined,” said Bogollagama, speaking at the sidelines of
the UN General Assembly.
“That’s why we are very conscious of the collateral and the
humanitarian aspect,” Bogollagama said. “And we are confident that we
will succeed in defeating terrorism.” In the latest offensive,
Government Forces have advanced to the outskirts of Kilinochchi, the
Army Chief said Thursday.
Bogollagama stressed that the Government is paying close attention to
humanitarian concerns.
“These are matters of concern to all of us and it concerns the
Government more than anyone else,” he said. “We are addressing these
matters and we are very confident that enough food, enough safety,
enough security will be provided for the people in the affected areas,”
he said.
US, European Union, Japanese and Norwegian envoys met in New York
Wednesday to discuss the latest clashes, and the need for both sides to
protect civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those
displaced by fighting, a US diplomat said.
The same discussions are ongoing in Colombo, the assistant secretary
for south Asian affairs Richard Boucher said. |