UN in call for Sri Lanka 'pause'

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The UN, backed by the US and Britain, has urged the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels to back a "humanitarian pause" in fighting.

A senior UN official said the civilian population trapped in the conflict zone in the north was not being allowed out.

Amnesty International said on Friday that thousands of civilians were increasingly at risk in the conflict.

Troops have pushed the rebels from most of the territory they held during heavy fighting in the past few weeks.

The rebels are now restricted to a small area of jungle and coast in Mullaitivu district.

Rights and aid groups have continued to criticise both the government and Tamil Tiger rebels over civilian casualties (BBC News)