SRI LANKAN AMBASSADOR CALLS ON LTTE TO RELEASE UNITED NATIONS STAFF MEMBER AND CHILDREN TAKEN BY FORCE

The Ambassador for Sri Lanka to the United States, Jaliya Wickramasuriya today called on the LTTE terrorists to immediately release the United Nations staff member and three dependent children who were forcibly detained over the weekend in the conflict zone in Sri Lanka.

"The LTTE does not respect any international law, or even the rights of human dignity," said the Ambassador. "If the terrorists will kidnap United Nations workers and their family members, the world can better understand how they treat innocent Sri Lankan civilians who are trying desperately to flee the conflict zone and seek safety."

The Ambassador noted the children are protected under Sri Lankan and international law from recruitment by armed groups. The Ambassador cites this action by the terrorists as yet another example of the ruthless nature of the terrorists and the lengths the LTTE will go to achieve their lawless aims.

The incident over the weekend occurred in the government declared "No Fire Zone" in the northern part of the country. Another United Nations staff member was detained two weeks ago and has not been released despite repeated requests from the international community.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC
USA

16 March 2009