Obama tells Tigers to lay down arms

US President Barack Obama on Wednesday urged Tigers to lay down their arms and let the civilians go. "Their forced recruitment of civilians and their use of civilians as human shields is deplorable," said the President. "The United States stands ready to work with the international community to support the people of Sri Lanka in this time of suffering. I don't believe that we can delay," Obama said.

"Going forward, Sri Lanka must seek a peace that is secure and lasting and grounded in respect for all of its citizens," he said. - AFP