UNSG welcomes rescue mission

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on Monday deplored the use of force by the LTTE in preventing the departure of civilians from the conflict zone.

He also deplored the use of heavy weapons in the vicinity of civilians. The Secretary General welcomed the escape by tens of thousands of civilians from the conflict zone over the last three days, urging warring parties to allow the full access of UN staff into the conflict zone to facilitate relief operations and the evacuation of civilians.

While the departure of civilians to safer areas is welcome news, Ban remained deeply concerned about the circumstances of the civilians that remain in the conflict zone and the potential for large-scale casualties, said a statement issued by his spokesperson.