The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Boutros Boutros-Ghali: Reports of the massive displacement of the civilian population in northern Sri Lanka are a source of deep concern to the Secretary-General. It is evident that humanitarian assistance on a significant scale will be essential to minimize suffering. The Secretary-General therefore calls on all concerned to facilitate relief assistance to the affected population by humanitarian organizations.
The Secretary-General has instructed the Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Peter Hansen, to follow the situation closely and to maintain contact with the relevant humanitarian organizations and the Sri Lankan authorities.
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