In Sri Lanka, UN deplores targeting of truck on its way to join food convoy

United Nations officials in Sri Lanka today deplored the placing of explosives by an unknown group on a Government truck that was due to join a UN food convoy in the north of the country, the scene of intense recent fighting between Government forces and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

In a statement, the UN reiterated that humanitarian operations and personnel must be protected at all times, in line with international humanitarian law, adding that it acknowledged the actions of the Government to meet this responsibility.

The UN remains committed to supporting humanitarian operations that will reach Sri Lankans living in the north’s Vanni area with vital aid, according to the statement.

The convoy is now scheduled to depart in the coming days, accompanied by UN international staff, because of the effective cooperation of all involved, the Organization stated.

Early last month Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed deep concern over escalating violence in northern Sri Lanka, especially its humanitarian impact on civilians.