—PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —
15 MAY 2009, PETALING JAYA – We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sri Lanka’s northeastern region and appeal to the Sri Lankan military to halt its offensive activities. The fighting has reached a point where humanitarian concerns for the civilian population must be weighed against the military advantages gained by either side in the continuation of this conflict.
Thousands of innocent people have already perished in the combat zone including many women and children. An estimated 50,000 are still caught in the crossfire. Ensuring the safety and well being of the trapped population should be the primary concern of the Sri Lankan government, the LTTE and the international community.
UN agencies and the ICRC should be allowed access to the conflict zone to assess needs and bring in relief supplies, food and medical care to needy and injured populations. International monitors should be granted access to the area to ensure the protection of civilian populations and facilitate confidence building in efforts to establish a lasting peace.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
Opposition Leader and
De-facto leader, Justice Party of Malaysia
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