Hello, I’m Charlotte Bellis and you’re watching Newsy.com.
More than 70,000 people have been killed in the decades old war between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers rebel group.
As many as 120,000 people are reportedly trapped in the tiny remaining stretch of rebel territory.
International communities have been trying to offer aid to those trapped.
CNN brings a perspective from India, where a local politician went on a hunger strike to protest what’s going on....
“ “I had launched a fast for the Tamil cause.” The reaction is both political and personal. Southern India is home to more than 60 million Tamils. … The Indian government has sent a senior delegation to the country, which said it played a role in Sri Lanka’s decision to halt its use of heavy artillery and air strikes, and instead, turns its focus to desperate civilians.” (CNN)In Canada, the Tamil community took to the streets, demanding that Canada take action against the Colombo government.
Mediasauce.com brings us
video of the protests in Ottawa as The National Post questions the march’s outcome.
“There is a fine line between accommodating spontaneous political action on behalf of a legitimately concerned ethnic group seeking to express solidarity with brethren overseas — and letting one’s city be taken over by a mob.” (The National Post)The BBC interviews the British Foreign Minister who flew to the island nation with his French counterpart for a first hand look at the crisis.
He talks about the progress of the talks with the Colombo government.
“The Defense Secretary gave me his word of honor today that no heavy weapons will be used and that needs to be properly monitored, which is one reason we are arguing for the media access, as well as UN access to all areas in northeastern Sri Lanka.” (BBC)Sri Lanka’s The Island reports reaction from the government toward pressure from the global community…
“…even the super powers have no right to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal matters but any concerned country had the right to inquire into the welfare of innocent civilians.” (The Island)The BBC reports the government is unlikely to agree to a truce with the Tigers.
So how much do you think international community should play a role in this conflict?
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