IN SRI LANKA, UN DEPLORES TARGETING OF TRUCK ON ITS WAY TO JOIN FOOD

IN SRI LANKA, UN DEPLORES TARGETING OF TRUCK ON ITS WAY TO JOIN FOOD
Posted by: "forum_humanrights" forum_humanrights@yahoo.co.in forum_humanrights
Thu Oct 2, 2008 2:33 am (PDT)
United Nations officials in Sri Lanka today deplored the placing of
explosives by an unknown group on a Government truck that was due to
join a UN food convoy in the north of the country, the scene of
intense recent fighting between Government forces and the rebel
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

In a statement, the UN reiterated that humanitarian operations and
personnel must be protected at all times, in line with international
humanitarian law, adding that it acknowledged the actions of the
Government to meet this responsibility.

The UN remains committed to supporting humanitarian operations that
will reach Sri Lankans living in the north's Wanni area with vital
aid, according to the statement.

The convoy is now scheduled to depart in the coming days, accompanied
by UN international staff, because of the effective cooperation of all
involved, the Organization stated.

Early last month Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed deep concern
over escalating violence in northern Sri Lanka, especially its
humanitarian impact on civilians. (EOM)