Sri Lanka's president has acknowledged she had asked United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan not to visit a tsunami-hit area controlled by Tamil rebels.
President Chandrika Kumaratunga said in Colombo Monday she advised Mr. Annan not go to the northern town of Jaffna held by Tamil Tiger rebels because of concerns over security.
Rebel officials expressed anger, and hundreds of Tamils demonstrated Sunday outside the U.N. offices in Jaffna to protest the cancellation of Mr. Annan's planned visit.
Mr. Annan said although he was the guest of the Sri Lankan government, he was concerned about everyone who needs humanitarian aid. He also urged the government and the Tamil rebels to put aside their differences as the region struggles to rebuild.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and AFP.