UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Saturday welcomed President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s announcement of safe passage for all civilians trapped in intensive fighting in the Vanni to a secure environment but said he continued to be concerned by the threat to an estimated 250,000 civilians in close proximity to the fighting.

"He urges the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to do all in their power to make this safe passage a reality, and to ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law," a statement from Moon’s office said.

"The Secretary General also urged the LTTE in particular, to allow civilians in the conflict zone to move to where they feel more secure, including areas controlled by the government of Sri Lanka,’’ it said.

Moon also called upon GOSL to ensure those civilians arriving from the Vanni and other conflict areas are treated in accordance with international standards.

"Such standards include guaranteeing the freedom of their movement, provide basic services and allowing full access by humanitarian agencies," the statement said.

The UN, for its part, said it was ready to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance.

Moon strongly underlined "the need for urgent steps towards the speedy and orderly end to the fighting."