German aid for IDPs increased to 4.7 m Euro

German assistance to Sri Lanka would be increased immediately to over 4.7 million Euro, German Federal Foreign Ministry Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

The Federal Foreign office will also provide 500,000 Euro to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in aid of internally displaced persons (IDPs). To

Meanwhile the Federal Foreign Minister following a telephone conversation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Jakob Kellenberger issued the following statement:

"I appeal urgently to all conflicting parties in Sri Lanka to ensure the protection of the civilian population and adhere to international humanitarian law.

International Aid Organisations must be granted access to all refugees immediately.

It is especially important that these people receive the medicines they desperately need. Moreover, it is clear that a lasting solution to the conflict can only be achieved through political means.

My country is ready and willing to do all it can to support such a process," it said.