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China opposed move, says Colombo

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government on Sunday said China had opposed a motion in the United Nations Security Council for a discussion on the humanitarian crisis triggered by the war in the north.

A report on the Information Ministry website said Beijing had opposed the proposal on the ground that it was an internal matter of the island nation and the military operations had no effect on international peace and security.

“China informs the United Nations Security Council [UNSC] not to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs. A proposal included in the agenda of the Council said that civilians are affected by the humanitarian operations in the north,” it said.

The report further said the UN Security Council was compelled to withdraw the motion on two occasions due to stern opposition from China.

However, the pro-LTTE TamilNet said Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative in the Security Council, supported the proposal for a briefing on Sri Lanka.

“The United States feels strongly about and concerned about Sri Lanka and we support the provision of it to the Council — full and updated information on the humanitarian situation,” the website quoted her as saying.

The TamilNet quoted U.K. Ambassador John Sawers as saying the “European Union members” of the Council have made a request for a meeting in the Council on Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the military claimed that 1,055 civilians sought protection with security forces fleeing from LTTE terrorists amid heavy artillery and mortar fire directed from the declared No Fire Zone.

“The injured civilians due to heavy LTTE artillery and mortar attacks were shifted for immediate medical attention at the general hospital in Vavuniya. LTTE terrorists now cornered in a mere 25 sq km land stretch are continuing to target those fleeing from its hostage in clear desperation, sensing probable defeat by military,” it said.

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