situation in Sri Lanka
26 April 2009
Pretoria: The South African Government would like to reiterate its
apprehension over the humanitarian crisis and for the safety and well-being of
all civilians 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 Sri-Lanka.
The government of South Africa would like to emphasise its known positions,
namely; respect for territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, peaceful resolution of
the conflict through negotiations. We reiterate our position that we believe
that all the people of Sri Lanka must find a peaceful and just solution to
their disputes within the sovereign state of Sri Lanka.
We also appeal to the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of
Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri-Lanka to take the necessary action that will lead to
a cessation of the hostilities. South Africa continues to support all efforts
aimed at bringing about peace and reconciliation through an immediate ceasefire
in the fighting, especially where innocent civilians are caught in the
cross-fire. We hope that Sri Lanka will return to being a secure, stable
state.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
26 April 2009
