The Hindu : National : India, Denmark concerned for Sri Lankan civilians

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India, Denmark concerned for Sri Lankan civilians

Special Correspondent

Danish Foreign Minister telephones Pranab Mukherjee to discuss situation

Pranab expressed hope Sri Lanka would respect “safe zones”
Stressed to Danish Minister that India was doing its best

New Delhi: Reiterating India’s concern for the safety and security of civilians and internally displaced persons (IDP) still in the LTTE-controlled areas of Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has expressed the hope that the Sri Lankan authorities would respect and expand “safe zones” and do their best to prevent civilian casualties.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moller telephoned Mr. Mukherjee on Saturday to discuss the current situation in Sri Lanka and express concern at the situation of the civilian population in the north of the country.

In response, said an MEA statement, Mr. Mukherjee said India shared those concerns. “He referred to his recent visit to Colombo on 27th January when he had taken this up with President Rajapaksa. Soon after his discussions, the Sri Lankan President had announced a 48-hour period for civilians to leave the conflict zone and had appealed to the LTTE to allow the civilians to leave and assured their safety. EAM further stressed to the Danish Foreign Minister that the Government of India was doing its best to ensure that the civilians are moved to safety.”

Referring to India’s humanitarian assistance of food, non-food and medical supplies for these affected IDPs and civilians, Mr. Mukherjee also referred to the Sri Lankan government’s assurance to provide relief supplies, respect and expand safe zones and prevent civilian casualties, the MEA said. The way forward, it added, must include “credible devolution of powers, early return of democracy and rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas.”

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