Jaffna remains quiet

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, MAY 28. A day after the unilateral 12-hour ceasefire of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Jaffna peninsula remained largely quiet, with only sporadic clashes reported in the Chavakachcheri area.

A statement issued by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) here said hundreds of civilians moved out of the Thenmarachchi division during Saturday's ceasefire. But contrary to the LTTE's wishes that they move south into the Vanni mainland controlled by it, most of the fleeing civilians seemed to have preferred to move into Government- controlled areas.

The UNHCR said 400 families had arrived at Mulli, and had moved towards Point Pedro. Another 60 families had arrived at Karaveddy. ``In both locations, the people arriving stated that other civilians were moving out of the area of hostilities,'' it said.

It said 150 persons from Thenmarachchi, some of them wounded, had arrived at Killinochchi, in northern Vanni, after being on the road for several days. These people had reported to UNHCR staff that there were many others in the area who wanted to move as soon as it was safe to do so.

``In view of these reports, the UNHCR remains extremely concerned about the safety and security of civilians in the area. The UNHCR appeals again to the Government and the LTTE to ensure security for the civilians and their freedom to move to safety,'' the statement pleaded.

Pickering visit

On the diplomatic front, Colombo is prepared for the arrival of the United States Under-Secretary for Political Affairs, Mr. Thomas Pickering, tomorrow.

Mr. Pickering is expected to reiterate Washington's position that it favours a solution to the ethnic conflict within the framework of a united Sri Lanka and backs the Norwegian peace initiative. He is scheduled to meet the President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, the Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister, Mr. G.L. Peiris, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, and representatives of Tamil parliamentary parties. Mr. Pickering met Indian officials in New Delhi last week and his discussions here are expected to reflect the meeting of minds between India and the U.S. on the impact of the Sri Lankan conflict on regional security.

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