By NNN-APP,
London : The British Government has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka following the recent increased hostilities in the northern part of the Island.
Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch Brown and Department for International Development Minister Shahid Malik in a joint statement said: “The recent increased hostilities in the north of Sri Lanka are of acute concern to the UK Government.”
However, they welcomed the Government of Sri Lanka recognising its responsibility to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the conflict and its continued co-ordination with humanitarian agencies.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander met President Mahinda Rajapakse in New York on Friday to discuss this situation.
Both Lord Malloch and Shahid Malik urged the Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to take urgent action to allow free movement of civilians.
“We call on both parties to respect their obligations under International Humanitarian Law to enable free access for humanitarian agencies and the protection of civilians affected by the conflict.”