UN chief arrives in Sri Lanka
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, May 23, IRNA -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon arrived in Colombo Saturday for a first-hand assessment of the situation in the North following the military victory over the rebels, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
According to ColomboPage News Desk report, upon his arrival in Colombo, Moon said, "We are here at a defining moment in Sri Lanka's history. A long and terrible conflict has come to an end. Now is the time for the nation to unite to build a just and lasting peace. No one can do this but the Sri Lankans themselves, working together without regard to religion or ethnic identity."
Expressing deep concern over the safety and welfare of nearly 300,000 displaced civilians the secretary general said he is here to help. "I hope my visit today can help begin a process of national recovery, renewal, and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans.
UN chief will meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa and senior advisers on Saturday. Weather permitting he is scheduled to visit the conflict zone and the IDP welfare villages in Vavuniya.
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End News / IRNA / News Code 503015
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