Nambiar lauds successful mass evacuation

Manjula FERNANDO

UN Secretary General's special aide and Under Secretary General Vijay Nambiar said it has to be recognized that the evacuation of such a large number of civilians in the conflict zone as a considerable achievement on the part of the Government refuting allegations that the UN failed to prevent a bloodbath in Sri Lanka's conflict.

Addressing reporters in Colombo after a week long stay in Sri Lanka which included a visit to the Menik Farm IDP camp and an overflight to the conflict zone where the final battle was fought against the LTTE, he said his impression was that the last of civilians had been moved out before the final intense operation took place.

The media questioned if there was any truth in the allegations that some of the civilians were left behind in the conflict zone before the intensed final battles broke out between the LTTE leaders and the military.

Nambiar who is the Chief of Staff of UN Secretary General Ban ki Moon held meetings with the President, the Foreign Minister, senior political leaders including Tamil Parliamentarians, senior Government officials, the diplomatic corps and Humanitarian agencies during his extended stay.

He said the President whom he met earlier recognized devolution as an important part on the path to lasting peace, a view shared by the UN coupled with national reconciliation should fully address the legitimate aspirations of Tamils and other minorities

Referring to the Human Rights allegations levelled against the Government, Nambiar said they were unable to make any generalization without looking into the 'factual basis' of these allegations.

He said the matters will be cleared after verifying the facts by working with the Government and organizations like the ICRC.

Nambiar said there was no question that the end of the military conflict with the LTTE brought Sri Lanka to a major turning point in its history while adding the UN was willing to take part in the reconstruction process, especially in the de-mining activities in the conflict zone to facilitate the return of the IDPs. On the access of IDP camps Nambiar said the UN would be sensitive to the Government's concerns of the local community.

"There is no restrictions on access, " he explained that the constant movement of vehicles disturbs the local community and thus was the restriction on vehicles.

"We would work out arrangements for optimal access while taking these matters into consideration."

He said "The effects of the final stages of the war were truly devastating. But we must now pick up the pieces, look ahead and move forward."

Nambiar said his arrival last week was to help facilitate the evacuation of civilians in the conflict zone but as the ground situation took a quick turn with the announcement of the conclusion of military operations, the focus of his mission was adjusted and an earlier arrival of the Secretary General was proposed.