"Stop violence immediately": Donors tell LTTE [Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 11.30 GMT]   
The Government has welcomed a report by international donors to Sri Lanka urging the LTTE to put an immediate stop to its violence including the forced conscription of civilians and blocking humanitarian convoys to the conflict areas.

Commenting on the report issued by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Sweden and the European Commission, Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said it reflected a careful assessment of the prevailing situation in the North and East.

The report, compiled following monitoring activities in Ampara, Batticaloa, Mannar, Trincomalee and Jaffna by representatives of the donor countries, called upon the LTTE to stop forced conscription of any person irrespective of age and facilitate the immediate release of underage individuals.

The donors have also urged the LTTE to accept humanitarian aid for the sake of civilians by keeping supply lines open and to stop preventing Jaffna
traders from merchandising with the people.

Donor countries have also requested the LTTE to release all humanitarian workers held by them.

Donor country representatives will gather next week in Galle for the two-day Sri Lanka Development Forum, where the country's 10-Year Development Plan
and the current development priorities of the Government will be discussed.

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Last Updated Date: January 24, 2007 - 11.30 GMT