Statement from Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Official Opposition, on the situation in Sri Lanka
I am deeply concerned about the continuing violence in Sri Lanka. Countless lives are being lost on a daily basis and more than 250,000 civilians are trapped on the frontline. An immediate ceasefire is needed now more than ever.
I urge both the government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to work together to find every possible way to save lives and to further avert a humanitarian disaster.
I also call on the international community to come together to work towards political reconciliation in Sri Lanka and to provide humanitarian assistance where it is needed. We have a responsibility to protect innocent civilians whose lives are at risk as a result of this military conflict.
In this regard, I urge United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to send a special envoy to Sri Lanka to find ways to ensure no further loss of life and to begin immediate discussions on the political future of the country involving all sectors of Sri Lankan society.
There is no excuse for terrorism and attacks on civilians, and the world has to show its concern for the protection of the civilian population.
Our thoughts are with the people of Sri Lanka at this time as well as the Canadians of Sri Lankan descent whose lives are affected by this terrible situation.
Contact:
Press Office
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
613-996-6740
Published: Feb 28, 2009 11:51:40 GMT