International community maintaining their silence beyond limits ‐ Bob Rae

Canadian Member of parliament Bob Rae stated the plight of civilians in Wanni was worsening by the day and accused the international community of maintaining their silence beyond the limits. He urged for immediate relief measures for those civilians caught up in the war stating that over 150,000 civilians were suffering without food and medicines.

He urged for the civilian protection under Canada to start at the earliest and added the international community should not show restrain in emphasising on humanitarian needs and respecting human rights.

Meanwhile Canada Called on Both warring Parties to the Conflict in Sri Lanka to Work Toward a Rapid Resolution and to Meet Humanitarian Obligations

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement on the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka:

He stated Canada was following this issue very closely, and all Canadians hoped for a speedy resolution to this humanitarian tragedy.

As a first step, Canada called for a resumption of the humanitarian pause and said both sides must allow the safe and voluntary movement of civilians from combat zones and ensure full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers to those in need.

They urged the LTTE to stop preventing civilians from leaving the remaining LTTE‐controlled territory and allow freedom of movement to civilians under their control.

The Canadian government also requested the the Government of Sri Lanka to demonstrate the necessary degree of restraint in order to facilitate the free movement of non‐combatants to safety.

Canada stated they would continue to clearly state their view of the way forward for peace in Sri Lanka.

They pointed out on dialogues with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, UN Secretary‐General Ban Ki‐moon, and Canadian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Angela Bogdan on the humanitarian issues of concern.

They pointed out on access to water, sanitation and medical support and added they have instructed their  high commissioner to continue Canada’s engagement with the Government of Sri Lanka on the need for assistance to internally displaced persons.

Canada insists this conflict cannot be resolved militarily and can only be settled through a durable political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of all the people of Sri Lanka.

Canada called on the LTTE to discuss with the Government of Sri Lanka the terms for ending hostilities, including the renunciation of violence, the laying down of arms, and acceptance of the Government of Sri Lanka’s offer of amnesty, as the first step toward an inclusive political dialogue that can contribute to a lasting peace.