situation in Sri Lanka
30 January 2009
Pretoria: The South African Government has today, Friday, expressed deep
concern for the safety and well-being of the 250 000 civilians, including
humanitarian aid workers, reportedly caught up in the conflict between the
military forces of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of
Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the North-East region of Sri-Lanka.
This humanitarian crisis is of great concern to South Africa, who joins the
Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) and other esteemed leaders of the
international community in urging both the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE
to, as a priority, respect existing safe zones and protect civilians, and
further, to allow the delivery of relief supplies, including medicine, food,
water and temporary shelters.
South Africa is saddened by the loss of life and expresses its condolences
to all those in mourning. Furthermore, South Africa will continue to support
any efforts aimed at bringing about peace and reconciliation. We believe that a
lasting and sustainable political solution will be best achieved through broad
consultation and peaceful dialogue amongst all the people of Sri Lanka. We
therefore urge both parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as
possible. The announced ceasefire should be permanent and thus create
conditions for parties to consult their respective constituencies freely and
regularly.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
30 January 2009
