�The situation in Vanni has reached colossal proportions and what is happening there is unprecedented human carnage. At this juncture we are ready to anything that is necessary to save the Tamil people trapped in the unrelenting war that is waged on them. We heed the call by the US President and are prepared to take measures that will spare the life of our people,� said Selvarasa Pathmanathan, the LTTE�s head of International Relations, in a statement issued Saturday.

"The international community now has to act with fairness and openness and should take full responsibility for the people who are being targeted with no mercy or dignity," he further said.

Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America urged last Thursday for the LTTE and for the Government of Sri Lanka to take immediate measures to alleviate the humanitarian tragedy that is unfolding in Northern Sri Lanka. He called on the Sri Lankan Government to immediately stop the indiscriminate shelling that continues to take hundreds of innocent civilians including hospitals and deter from using heavy weapons in the conflict zone. He also called the Sri Lankan government to allow international access to the thousands of civilians trapped in the war.

The LTTE�s head of International Relations has stated that he welcomed the urgent call of Mr Barack Obama and has reiterated LTTE�s commitment to an internationally mediated solution to the current predicament.

Full text of the statement by Mr. Pathmanathan follows:

S. Pathmanathan, Head of LTTE's International Diplomatic Relations"LTTE is extremely mindful of the civilian hardships and is prepared to take all necessary measures that would immediately stop the current carnage. The president�s call for stopping the humanitarian crisis has been heard by the LTTE and is willing to heed to his call. The international community now has to act with fairness and openness and should take full responsibility for the people who are being targeted with no mercy or dignity. Our people are now at the mercy of the international community and it has to take full responsibility for the future of our people. We call on the Sri Lankan Government too to take note of the President�s call and do everything possible to stop a blood bath unfolding.

�The LTTE has relentlessly fought for the rights of our people for over three decades and will always do what is best for them. President Obama�s recent remarks gives us hope that at last he has taken an active interest in the plight of our people. A military solution will not end the current conflict. A lasting, respectful and equitable solution for our people can only be reached through political means. We have always shown our preparedness to enter a political process as long as all parties were willing to act faithfully to the process.

�Encouraged by the hopeful words of President Obama the LTTE is again stating its categorical position to enter a political process facilitated by neutral international parties and find a meaningful solution to the ethnic crisis. It is the best option for all people living in the island of Sri Lanka. Both the Sri Lankan Government and us, we together have to find a solution and a way to resolve the crisis. An onslaught by the Government will only result in thousands more dying and will not pave a way for a dignified and respectful outcome. We are ready to cooperate and work towards peace as Mr Obama has insisted."