Across the World: Sri Lanka

Plea to move civilians

Pressure rose yesterday for Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tiger rebels to free thousands trapped in the war zone, after the president urged the rebels to let people move over the next two days. Aid agencies say 250,000 people are trapped in the country's northeast. Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith yesterday joined an international chorus urging swift action.

"Australia holds grave concerns for the civilians who remain in the conflict zone. There is an urgent need to ensure their protecion," Smith said in a statement.