LTTE suspected of looting UN offices

The United Nations said yesterday its offices in the north had been looted after aid workers were evacuated last week.

A statement from the UN said it suspected the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were involved in the theft from buildings it had left on the orders of the Government. The UN did not disclose what was stolen, but local media reported that the suspected Tigers took large stocks of fuel and electricity generators.

"The UN has drawn this to the attention of the LTTE and says that humanitarian assets and staff ought to be protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law," the statement said.