Special Envoy Yasushi Akashi says not to allow the LTTE to use civilians as a human shield

(January 24, Colombo. Sri Lanka Guardian) Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Representative of the Government of Japan for Peace Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka, currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka, met with Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama on Thursday at the Foreign Ministry.

Briefing the visiting envoy on the situation in Sri Lanka, Minister Bogollagama observed that the humanitarian operations were being conducted by the Sri Lankan government in northern Sri Lanka with the objective of eliminating LTTE terror and restoring democracy in order to achieve a sustainable peace. Minister Bogollagama referred to the process of democratization launched by the Sri Lanka government in the Eastern Province with the holding of elections.

He noted that this has enabled the government to make democracy meaningful to the people in the Eastern Province. He highlighted the necessary to strengthen democratic Institutions as democracy, peace and development go hand in hand.

Stating that the Government has demarcated a safe area for the civilians to move in, it was brought to Ambassador Akashi’s notice that a large number of people were waiting to leave the LTTE-dominated areas in the North. The Minister observed that leaflets have been dropped into the uncleared areas giving this information to civilians to facilitate their movement to liberated areas. He added that a convoy carrying food and essential items has also been moved into the area.

Special Envoy Akashi expressed his satisfaction at the efforts undertaken by the Sri Lanka Government to safeguard the civilian population in the north. He expressed his confidence in the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) as a viable mechanism through which to bring about devolution of power and to build a pluralistic Sri Lankan society. He stated that Japan was fully conscious of the Sri Lanka government’s commitment to finding a political solution to the conflict, and expressed the hope that the political process would continue.

Referring to the concerns expressed by the international community, Ambassador Akashi emphasized that the LTTE should not be allowed to use civilians as a human shield.

He also stated that he looked forward to observing first hand the situation of the internally displaced person during his stay in Sri Lanka.

The Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka Mr. Kiyoshi Araki and officials of the Japanese Foreign Ministry accompanied the Special Envoy to the meeting, Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona, and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were also associated with the meeting. - Sri Lanka Guardian