EU condemns LTTE attack on naval vessels

[May 15, 2006 - 10.00 GMT]

Calling the claim by the LTTE that the SLMM has put its own monitors at risk by allowing them to travel on naval vessels as “utterly unacceptable”, the EU has condemned the LTTE attack on the Sri Lankan Navy in the strongest possible terms.

In a release the EU states the “the LTTE have committed gross violations of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) at sea in recent days.”

On Thursday, May 11, the LTTE attacked a passenger ferry, the Pear Cruiser II, with 710 unarmed Army, Navy Air force and Police personnel. The ferry carried the flag of the SLMM. The attack was repulsed by the Navy escort vessels.

[Full text of the release]

The Presidency of the European Union condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks by the LTTE terrorists on the Sri Lankan Navy, states an EU press release.

The LTTE have committed gross violations of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) at sea in recent days. The attack on a troop carrier and the reported sinking of an accompanying Navy vessel is the latest and most severe violation. The known presence of SLMM monitors on board that vessel adds to the violation.

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission has ruled that the sea is a Government Controlled Area.

The claim by the LTTE that the SLMM has put its own monitors at risk by allowing them to travel on Naval vessels is utterly unacceptable. This seeks to absolve the LTTE from its responsibility for the safety of monitors. This is a clear violation of the Ceasefire Agreement that requires all parties to take all measures to preserve the safety of the SLMM monitors.

The reckless behaviour of the LTTE in the last days can only contribute to a dangerous escalation that results in growing hostilities and jeopardizes any possibility for future peace talks.

The EU urges the Government of Sri Lanka to show as much restraint as possible.

The EU welcomes the government statement that it condemns absolutely all acts of violence in government controlled areas, that it will not tolerate any “culture of impunity” and that it will do all in its power to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice. This commitment needs to be pursued with vigour on the ground.

This is the latest episode in a wider escalation of violence in the last month that is threatening the Ceasefire Agreement. The EU condemns these acts that have caused death and suffering among all communities, be they Tamil, Sinhalese or Muslim. The EU calls on both parties to do all in their power to show restraint and to prevent further violence. The Ceasefire Agreement is what stands between Sri Lanka and outright war which the vast majority of Sri Lankans – regardless of ethnic group – desperately want to avoid. The voice of that majority should now be heard.

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Last Updated Date: May  15, 2006 -10.00 GMT