Miliband expresses concern over Sri Lanka violence
The UN has expressed concern over the plight of civilians trapped in the fighting between the government and the rebel group
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Sunday, 19, Apr 2009 10:41
Foreign secretary David Miliband has said he is "gravely concerned" about the plight of civilians in Sri Lanka.
In the past few months, Sri Lanka's government has made major gains in the war against the Tamil Tigers and has captured many of its strongholds in the country's northern and eastern parts.
"I remain gravely concerned at the continuing conflict in northern Sri Lanka that threatens many thousands of civilian lives," Mr Miliband said in a statement.
"The British government maintains its calls for an immediate ceasefire in Sri Lanka and for civilians to be allowed to leave the conflict area."
The United Nations fears for the safety of civilians caught in the midst of the fighting between the government and the rebel group, and has appealed for all non-combatants to be allowed to move to more peaceful areas.
British foreign secretary David Miliband said MP Des Browne was travelling to New York to consult with the UN on the matter.
Earlier this month, the Sri Lankan government announced a two-day truce on the occasion of the Sinhalese and Tamil new year holidays. Fighting resumed soon after the end of the holidays, renewing fears for the safety of civilians in the war-torn country.
Thousands of protestors marched through central London earlier in April to demand an end to the human suffering caused by the conflict.
The foreign secretary said he had listened to the demands of the demonstrators, adding that the government was committed to bringing the "terrible conflict to an end".
The Tamil Tigers have been fighting since 1983 for an independent state for the country's Tamil minority. Over 70,000 people have been killed in the fighting so far.