United Nations Radio

The UN Humanitarian Relief Coordinator, John Holmes, has again emphasized the UN's concern over the safety of civilians trapped by fighting in northern Sri Lanka between Government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (the LTTE).

Addressing reporters after an informal Security Council discussion on Sri Lanka, Mr. Holmes said forced recruitment continues within the combat zone, and the LTTE is not allowing civilians out of the area.

John Holmes

"This is an extremely worrying situation and, therefore, our first appeal is to the LTTE to let the civilians out in a safe and orderly fashion and I very much hope they will do that. We're also concerned that the Government of Sri Lanka should do everything they can to avoid civilian casualties, to do as they said they will do, which is not to use heavy weapons in this area."

The UN estimates that between 150,000 and 190,000 civilians are caught in a shrinking "no-fire" zone in the Vanni region. Since January, over 40,000 internally displaced persons have escaped the conflict zone into makeshift camps. Mr. Holmes added that conditions in these camps should be brought up to international standards.

For UN Radio, I'm Bissera Kostova.

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