South African Government reiterates its position regarding the Situation in Sri Lanka

Pretoria – The South African Government would like to reiterate its apprehension over the humanitarian crisis and for the safety and well-being of all civilians reportedly caught up in the conflict between the military forces of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri-Lanka.

The Government of SA would like to emphasise its known positions, namely; respect for territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, peaceful resolution of the conflict through negotiations. We reiterate our position that we believe that all the people of Sri Lanka must find a peaceful and just solution to their disputes within the sovereign state of Sri Lanka.
 
We also appeal to the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri-Lanka to take the necessary action that will lead to a cessation of the hostilities. South Africa continues to support all efforts aimed at bringing about peace and reconciliation through an immediate ceasefire in the fighting, especially where innocent civilians are caught in the cross-fire. We hope that Sri Lanka will return to being a secure, stable state.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

26 April 2009