FM tells Denmark:
Forces do not target No-Fire Zone
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has categorically stated that
the Sri Lankan Security Forces do not direct any attacks on the
Government declared no-fire zone along the Mullaitivu coast,
notwithstanding the constant artillery barrage launched at the military
by the LTTE.
He said the Security Forces themselves suffered casualties by not
returning fire, precisely in order to avoid causing casualties among
civilians who are being held hostage by the LTTE in this area.
The Minister explained this position to his Danish counterpart Per
Stig Moller, who discussed current developments in Sri Lanka, with
particular reference to the humanitarian situation in the North over the
telephone on March 25. Recalling their telephone conversation last
month, Minister Bogollagama said that the Security Forces were closing
in on the LTTE and increasingly large number of civilians were fleeing
the conflict area seeking the safety and security of the Government
controlled areas.
He further said that the Government was doing whatever possible to
facilitate the civilians to escape from the clutches of the LTTE to the
cleared areas.
Responding to a query by the Danish Foreign Minister with regard to
the involvement of the UN and ICRC, Minister Bogollagama explained that
the welfare transit villages were being assisted by the UN while the
ICRC has been involved with the evacuation of civilians by sea.
In addition, he referred to the involvement of the WFP and the ICRC
in the transport of food and medical supplies by sea and their
distribution to the civilians in the conflict area.
The Foreign Minister categorically rejected the allegation that the
Sri Lankan Government troops were shelling the no-fire zone, and stated
that the nature of injuries sustained by the civilians would support
this position.
He expressed concern at the false propaganda carried out by the LTTe
and its network of sympathisers abroad in order to win the sympathy of
the international community by the militarily weakened LTTE.
The Danish Foreign Minister Moller hoped that the conflict would end
in the near future and lasting peace would dawn in Sri Lanka. Minister
Bogollagama sharing these sentiments stated that the end of the conflict
is imminent, but as would be expected, the LTTE is resisting the advance
of the military into the final area of their domination.
He thanked his Danish counterpart for the action taken with regard to
the TRO fund raising activities in Denmark and observed that this action
was a positive step in assisting Sri Lanka to counter terrorism. The two
Ministers appreciated the opportunity to exchange views and agreed to
continue this constructive engagement. |