Statement by the Press Secretary/ Director-general for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Announcement of the Government of Sri Lanka on 48 hours restriction of the Armed Forces’ operations

April 14, 2009
Japanese

Japan is concerned that a large number of internally displaced persons are in a difficult situation in the northern part of Sri Lanka. In this regard, Japan welcomes the Announcement of the Government of Sri Lanka on 12th April on 48 hours restriction of the Armed Forces’ operations to give the civilian population a chance to be released from the Fire Zone.
Japan calls upon Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to allow freedom of movement of the civilians and ensure their safety.
Japan continues to strongly working on the concerned parties, including President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to ensure the safety of IDP through the dispatch of Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Representative of the Government of Japan on the Peace Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Sri Lanka, to the country in January and a series of Co-Chair’s meetings. Japan continues our endeavor to bring progress in the political process towards a permanent solution of the ethnic conflict.

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