Allow civilians to go, Australia tells Tigers

The LTTE must also allow civilians to leave. We again condemn the use of terrorist tactics, including the targeting civilians in or departing the conflict zone, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said.

Australia much welcomes reports that tens of thousands of civilians have been able to leave the conflict zone since April 20, the Minister said in a release.

Australia, however, remains deeply concerned about the many civilians still trapped, Smith said.

Tragically, many civilians have already been killed and further loss of life is inevitable unless both sides cease hostilities to allow civilians to leave the conflict zone.

The process of evacuation from the conflict zone and the administration of the camps should also be open to monitoring by the International Community of the Red Cross and UN officials.