Call to protect S Lanka civilians

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Sources: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7852661.stm

Pressure is building on Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tiger rebels to protect thousands of civilians caught up in the fighting on the island.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has expressed deep concern over the fate of the civilians - the UN says dozens are dead or injured.

And the European Union has asked the government to ensure that the civilians are spared in the fighting.

Sri Lanka's army has pushed the rebels from their strongholds.

Mullaitivu, their last major base, fell on Sunday.

There is no way of confirming claims from either side in the conflict zone as independent journalists are barred.

Mr Ban said in a statement that he "is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians caught in intensified fighting in the Vanni region of Sri Lanka" between government troops and rebels.

'Free movement'

He urged both sides "to accord immediate and absolute priority to ensuring the protection and well-being of civilians, including humanitarian aid workers".

that Mr Ban said the troops and the rebels should "ensure all people, including the displaced, are treated in accordance with international humanitarian law".

The UN secretary general also said both sides should respect "no fire zones", "safe areas", and civilian infrastructure including schools, medical facilities and humanitarian facilities.

The European Union meanwhile asked Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama to ensure that civilians were protected in the crossfire.

EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the rebels - who are on the EU list of terrorist groups - must "guarantee the free movement of the civilian population and release all child soldiers".

The UN says dozens have been killed in the fighting and the situation is desperate.

There are thought to be about 250,000 civilians in the area in which the rebels are still operating.

A government health official in the Kilinochchi region has said over 170 civilians died in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu regions and more than 720 were admitted to hospital.

The army has denied any connection with the civilian deaths.

The army took Mullaitivu town - the last major Tiger base - on Sunday.

Separately, the rebels' political leader, B Nadesan, has told the BBC that their top leader has not left Sri Lanka and is still leading the "freedom struggle".

He said that reports Velupillai Prabhakaran had fled were "malicious propaganda". He promised the rebels would fight on.

Mr Nadesan also said the Tigers would not lay down arms until the freedom and dignity of their people were guaranteed.

He shrugged off recent military setbacks which have seen the loss of the key bases of Kilinochchi, Elephant Pass and Mullaitivu.

The military says it is now advancing into a 300 sq km (115 sq mile) triangle of land in which the Tamil Tigers are still operating.

Mr Nadesan said the rebels hold twice that area.

The government has vowed to crush the rebels, who have been fighting for a separate homeland for Tamils for 25 years. At least 70,000 people have been killed during the insurgency.