Civilian sufferings unacceptable – Danish FM

[TamilNet, Friday, 06 February 2009, 06:31 GMT]
“The Danish government, greatly concerned about the situation of the civilians in the conflict areas in North Sri Lanka, is following the situation closely as well as is engaged in exerting pressure on the parties in conflict through institutions including the EU,” Denmark Foreign Minister, Per Stig Møller, said in a report 3 February. Around 4000 Tamils staged a demonstration 4 February starting from Copenhagen Town Hall to the entrance of the Danish Parliament, sources in Copenhagen said.

The following are excerpts of the report of Danish foreign minister:

“It is imperative that both sides respect international humanitarian laws. The Tamil Tigers (LTTE) should not block the civilians from fleeing the conflict zone. At the same time Sri Lanka government should ensure that the civilians coming from the war zone be treated with respect," the report further said.

“Both Sri Lanka government and Tamil Tigers are responsible to safeguard the civilians. Denmark has repeatedly stressed that it is necessary to find a political solution to achieve lasting peace and this is the message that we continue to pass.”

Meanwhile, a delegation consisting of Arulanantharajah Thilainadarasa, Member of Herning Town Council and Maheswaran Ponnambalam, the President of ‘Danish Union of Tamil Associations’, met with the Danish Foreign Ministry officials 4 February where they further enlightened the officials on the current situation of the Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka.

It is the duty of the Tamils in Denmark to keep the Danish society informed of the sufferings of the Tamils in Sri Lanka so that they too could help to protect the Tamil civilians in Vanni and held by the military in other areas, Arulanantharajah said.