EU passes resolution on Sri Lanka

Civilians caught in deadly crossfire between the Sri Lankan Government and LTTE, the persecution of the Rohingya people of Burma, and the refusal to extradite convicted murderer Cesare Battisti by the Brazilian authorities, were the subjects of three resolutions on democracy and human rights adopted at the end of this week's EU Parliament plenary session today.

The resolution on Sri Lanka said the capture of rebel strongholds by the Sri Lankan army "may constitute a turning point in the crisis" and could pave the way for peace and stability, but warns that a political solution needs to be found and the humanitarian crisis addressed in order for there to be lasting peace.

Over a period of 25 years, fighting between the armed insurgency of the LTTE (Tamil Tigers) and the Sri Lankan Government has caused the deaths of over 70 000 people. Since the beginning of the government’s military offensive in October 2008, the LTTE has retreated into the northern area. However, civilians have been forced deeper into territory controlled by the separatist group, leaving hundreds dead and some 250 000 civilians caught in deadly crossfire.

MEPs call on the government and the LTTE to "abide by the rules of war, to minimise harm to civilians during military operations and to immediately allow the thousands of civilians trapped in the conflict zone safe passage and access to humanitarian aid".

They also underline the need for international monitors to "assess the humanitarian needs of a quarter of a million people trapped in the Wanni region and to ensure proper distribution of food and other humanitarian assistance, particularly as the fighting comes closer to the trapped civilian population".

Violations of media freedom, abuse of children and landmines

According to the International Press Freedom Mission to Sri Lanka, press access in the conflict zone has been denied, journalists covering the conflict have been assaulted or intimidated, and there has been self-censorship by the media. The EP welcomes the Sri Lankan Government’s pledge to ensure full, open and transparent investigations into all alleged violations of media freedom in order also to "address the culture of impunity and indifference over killings and attacks on journalists in Sri Lanka".

Turning to other areas of concern, Parliament reiterates its condemnation of the "appalling abuse of children constituted by the recruitment of child soldiers" by rebel groups, and urges the government to give urgent attention to the clearance of landmines, "the presence of which may present a serious obstacle to rehabilitation and economic regeneration".

Tokyo Co-Chairs call for lasting political solution

The EP endorses the statement by the Tokyo Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, the US and the EU), which calls on the LTTE to discuss with the Government of Sri Lanka the "modalities for ending hostilities, including the laying down of arms, renunciation of violence, acceptance of the Government of Sri Lanka’s offer of amnesty, and participation as a political party in a process to achieve a just and lasting political solution".

The resolution concludes by calling on the Council, the Commission and the Governments of the Member States to "redouble their efforts to help bring a stable and just peace to Sri Lanka and to restore security and prosperity".

Source: Daily Mirror