Kouchner, Miliband condemn LTTE

For holding the civilian population hostage in the 'No Fire Zone':

The French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Dr. Bernard Kouchner and Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom David Miliband on an official visit to Sri Lanka at the Invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama, condemned the LTTE for holding the civilian population hostage in the 'No Fire Zone'.

During their visit, Foreign Minister Kouchner and Foreign Secretary Miliband called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa and had a cordial discussion on the present developments.

They also visited the IDP welfare centres in Vavuniya, and the Field Hospital donated by the French Government in Chettikulam.

The visit takes place against the background of the current developments in the North of Sri Lanka, in particular the recent security forces action to liberate approximately 120,000 civilians, who were held hostage by the LTTE.

The two delegations also had an opportunity to see an audio visual presentation including UAV footage of the humanitarian rescue operation by the Security Forces.

While welcoming the two visiting dignitaries, Foreign Minister Bogollagama stated that we are encouraged by the continued interest and concerns expressed by France and the UK on developments in Sri Lanka.

He further stated that we are on the threshold of defeating terrorism and are embarking on an era of lasting peace and security for all our people.

He spoke of the huge task of the humanitarian relief operations in place and thanked the UN, ICRC and the international community that are providing assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka.

While specifically thanking France and UK for their special assistance he stated that he is happy to host the two dignitaries who have made this special trip to Sri Lanka in order to see for themselves and be engaged with the Government of Sri Lanka.

They highlighted that their concern relating to the current situation focused on the security and welfare of the displaced civilian population.

They condemned the LTTE for holding the civilian population hostage in the 'no fire zone'.

They encouraged the Government of Sri Lanka to continue its cooperation with the UN agencies and ICRC and, to look at the possibility of providing more access to the international community.

Both Foreign Minister Kouchner and Foreign Secretary Miliband agreed that the French and British Governments have stood with Sri Lanka during the 25 years of conflict and will continue to stand by Sri Lanka in the future.

They also observed that Sri Lanka had reached a defining moment in the conflict.