MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Smith
The Australian Government remains gravely concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka where thousands of civilians remain trapped amidst fighting between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE.
We welcome the close attention the United Nations is paying to the situation. We share UN concerns at the high numbers of civilian casualties caused by the conflict. The situation is extremely dangerous and has the potential to deteriorate as fighting continues in an increasingly confined area.
Australia has extended its sincere condolences to those affected by the suicide attack targeting Government ministers and others at a religious procession in southern Sri Lanka on 10 March.
Australian condemns the use of terror tactics by the LTTE. Australia again calls on the LTTE to lift immediately all restrictions on civilians remaining in areas under LTTE control.
There can be no justification for preventing free movement of civilians from the conflict zone. We encourage the Sri Lankan diaspora to add weight to this call to prevent further loss of life.
Arrangements need to be put in place as a matter of urgency to allow the safe passage of civilians from the area. As long as civilians remain in the conflict zone, both sides have an obligation to ensure that hostilities are not conducted in a way which endangers civilian life. There should be no firing from or into areas of civilian population, wherever they are.
Australia holds grave concerns for the health of those remaining in the conflict area and calls on all parties to give urgent priority in Australia to ensuring adequate food and medical supplies are allowed into the area.
We applaud the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Sri Lankan Government in the evacuation of injured and sick from the conflict area. We urge that these evacuations and World Food Programme-Sri Lankan Government food convoys and shipments are allowed to continue.
Australia as well again calls on the Sri Lankan Government to put forward credible political reforms to engage Tamils and other minorities without delay. A political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankans is essential for the long-term security and prosperity of Sri Lanka.
Media Contacts:
Mr Smith's Office: Courtney Hoogen 02 6277 7500 or 0488 244901
Departmental : (02) 6261 1555