EU concerned over worsening situation in Sri Lanka

Brussels, April 25 (IANS) The European Union (EU) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in north Sri Lanka.

The 27-member bloc has strongly condemned the killings of civilians and called on all parties to take necessary steps to avoid such incidents in the future, EuAsiaNews reported.

'The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) for the use of civilians as human shields. Both the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE must fully comply with international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians at all times,' the group said in a statement Friday.

'The LTTE must allow civilians to leave the conflict area to move to safety without fear of injury,' it said.

The EU called on the Sri Lankan government to make steps towards an inclusive and peaceful political process.