34 child soldiers released
[August 2, 2004 - 9.45 GMT]

The UNICEF said the LTTE has released 34 child soldiers on Friday, July 30. According to a UNICEF communiqué the 34 children include 21 girls and 13 boys whose ages range from 14 to 17 years.

“UNICEF welcomes the release of these children,” said Geoffrey Keele, UNICEF spokesperson in Sri Lanka. “All of these children will go home soon and we are very glad to assist them in reuniting with their families.”

The communiqué also said that the LTTE has continued to recruit children across the North and the East of the country despite having made a commitment to put an end to this practice.

The UNICEF has appealed to the LTTE to renew its commitment to end all child recruitment and to release those children currently it’s their ranks.

“Every child freed is a step in the right direction.” UNICEF spokesman said.

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Last Updated Date: August 2, 2004  - 9.45 GMT.