MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

9.3.2009

pursuant to Rule 91 of the Rules of Procedure
by the Committee on Foreign Affairs
on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka

B6‑0140/2009

European Parliament resolution on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the emergency situation of an estimated 170 000 civilians who are trapped in the battle zone between the Sri Lankan army and the forces of the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Ealam (LTTE) without access to the most basic aid,

–  having regard to Rules 91 and 90(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

1.  Calls for an immediate temporary ceasefire by the Sri Lankan army and the LTTE in order to allow the civilian population to leave the combat zone; condemns the LTTE’s violence and intimidation which are preventing civilians from leaving the conflict area;

2.  Calls on both sides to respect international humanitarian law and to protect and assist the civilian population in the combat zone, as well as in the safe zone;

3.  Demands that international and national humanitarian organisations, as well as journalists, be granted access to the combat zone;

4.  Calls on the Sri Lankan Government to cooperate with countries and aid organisations that are willing and able to evacuate civilians;

5.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and to the Government of Sri Lanka and, for information, to the Commission.