Russia has shot down a proposal by Mexico which called for a briefing to the United Nations Security Council about the situation in Sri Lanka, diplomatic sources said. They said Mexico, which became a member of the Security Council this year, made the request at a closed-door meeting on Thursday, but the move was formally opposed by Russia, which argued that the Sri Lankan issue was not on the agenda of the Council.

The military yesterday vowed to maintain the demarcated safe zone for civilians fleeing the fighting in LTTE-held areas, as the security forces were poised to intensify their operations against the last remaining rebel pockets in the Mullaitivu district, Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said.