The Ceylon News

Mr. Frank
Walter-Steinmeier
Federal Foreign Minister of Germany
Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Werderscher Markt 1
10117 Berlin
Germany.



Dear Federal Minister Steinmeier,


A PLEA TO SAVE OUR FAMILIES, RELATIONS AND FRIENDS


I am deeply shocked by the plight of our fellow Tamil people who are being
held against their wishes, by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
in Puthumathalan area in Northern Sri Lanka. It hurts me deeply when I
see and hear the inhumane treatment to which they have been subjected by the
ruthless LTTE, who are using innocent civilians as a shield to protect
their leaders.

I am also disturbed by the fact that LTTE have placed heavy artillery
amongst the civilian population within the “No-Fire” zone, clearly putting
the lives of these innocent men, women and children in extreme danger.

It is very clear that the present situation in Sri Lanka is nothing but a
hostage situation, since many have to risked life and limb to escape the
clutches of the LTTE, to reach the safety of Sri Lankan security Forces,
where their safety is assured.

I have seen and heard that civilians fleeing the LTTE are very well looked
after by the Sri Lankan Security Forces, by providing them food, shelter,
schooling for children and where necessary, medical attention. Thus it is
clear that it’s not the LTTE that will save our fellow Tamil people but
the Sri Lanka Government.

These trapped civilians are our family, our friends and our own
countrymen…. Therefore, I appeal to you to act against this inhuman and barbaric
treatment, the LTTE has committed on our fellow Tamil people, by keeping them
as hostages, with no other motive but to save their own skin.

I urgently appeal you to ensure that these innocent civilians are afforded
the right to life and freedom of movement, without fear and coercion from
the LTTE. We urgently request you to help them to be free… and find their
refuge of choice.

I sincerely hope that you will act fast ; before the LTTE could cause more
havoc, hardship and bloodshed to the families of our Tamil brethren, in a
naïve attempt to save their own lives

In the name of the innocent Tamil People in the No Fire Zone in the
Northeastern Sri Lanka.


Yours faithfully,
Copy to:


Madam Navi Pillay
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Prof. Walter Kälin
UN Special Representative on the human rights of internally displaced.

Dr. Javier Solana
EU Secretary-General/High Representative

Ms. Benita Ferrero-Waldner
EU Commissioner for External Relations

ICRC - Geneva

German Embassy - Colombo, Sri Lanka

ICRC- Sri Lanka

HRW- USA

Human Right Watch – Germany

Amnesty International –USA

Amnesty International – Germany

Mr. Lalith Weerathunga
Secretary to HE the President of Sri Lanka