France concerned over humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka

PARIS, Sept 18 (KUNA) -- France expressed here Thursday its concern following the demand made by the authorities of Sri Lanka calling on international humanitarian organizations to evacuate the northern zones of the country which are affected by fighting.
The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement that "France stressed the essential role played by humanitarian workers and recalls its concern with the situation for civilian populations." It called on "the parties in this conflict to respect the fundamental principal of international humanitarian role and to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants and also to respect human rights." The statement stressed saying "It is necessary to preserve humanitarian access to these populations,"in light on the massive movement of displaced people to the fighting in the north and east of Sri Lanka. (end) si.bz.
KUNA 181520 Sep 08NNNN