European Tamil diaspora has demonstrated today along the streets of Brussels to protest against the government of Sri Lanka. Between 5,000 and 30,000 people, according to police sources and the organizers, have accused the government of the Asian island of carrying out a genocide against the Tamil population, and have called for the European Union to send international observers to the island.

The European Union has appealed to Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers guerrilla -which fight for an independent Tamil state- to agree to a cease-fire and stop blocking humanitarian aid to about 150,000 civilians who are trapped in the warring areas. The EU's external relations commissioner has confirmed that a diplomatic mission will be sent to Sri Lanka to push the EU cease-fire appeal.

Further information:

• AFP: Les Tamouls dénoncent un « génocide », à Bruxelles
• IHT: EU issues Sri Lanka cease-fire appeal