UN chief in S Lanka civilian plea
[BBC]
Visiting top UN humanitarian official John Holmes has urged Sri Lanka’s army and the Tamil Tigers to do everything possible to avoid civilian casualties. The government says the Tigers are using human shields, but the rebels say civilians are seeking their protection. This is Mr Holmes’s first visit since 2007 when his comment that Sri Lanka was one of the most dangerous places in the world for aid workers sparked government anger and drew a rebuke from the prime minister.