Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sri Lanka: Speaking out for peace


Our partners in Sri Lanka have offered to step in as negotiators between fighting forces in an attempt to avert an escalating humanitarian tragedy in the north east of the country

Tens of thousands of people are believed to be trapped in the so-called "safe zone", surrounded by intense fighting and are being bombed and shelled every day.

The health of the people is also a concern with very little food and water available. The majority are suffering severe trauma and psychological problems from the constant danger and upheaval.

Most people are spending all day and night in home-made bunkers to escape the shelling. Heavy rains have added to their misery and dire living conditions.

Church leaders, including Catholic and Anglican Bishops, said: "As religious leaders, we are willing to attempt to facilitate, by ourselves or in association with others, a temporary cessation of fighting for the sole humanitarian purpose of ensuring the safe evacuation of the civilians."

So far their offer has not been taken up by either the Tamil Tigers or the government.

More here-

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/OYAH-7RAPSQ?OpenDocument

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