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International community condemns brutal attack on civilian bus [Friday , June 16, 2006- 10.00 GMT]The International community yesterday condemned the brutal attack on a civilian bus which has killed more than 64, including many children. The United States, the Government of Switzerland, the British Government, the Commonwealth, the United Nations and Norway all joined in to denounce the attack highlighting the senseless killing of a large number of children. The United States of America – Statement by Sean McCormack, Spokesman Terrorist Attack in Sri Lanka The United States condemns today’s terrorist attack on a bus in Sri Lanka that killed 60 civilians, including at least 15 children. This vicious attack bears all the hallmarks of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. It is a clear violation of the Ceasefire Agreement that the Tamil Tigers claim to uphold. The United States calls for an end to the violence that is causing so much suffering for the people of Sri Lanka and resumption of negotiations to bring peace to the country. The Tamil Tigers must renounce terror and enter into direct negotiations with the Sri Lankan government.
The Government of
Switzerland Switzerland is worried by the progressive deterioration of the situation in Sri Lanka, which is making the ceasefire between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam increasingly fragile (LTTE). The terrorist attack on a civilian bus perpetrated this Thursday is unjustifiable. As well as being a personal tragedy for many families, it is a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs calls on the parties to take urgent action to avoid an escalation that could have tragic results for the future of Sri Lanka and first and foremost for the civilian population, which is already severely affected. In this context, the DFA deplores that the LTTE’s and the Sri Lankan government’s delegations did not meet in Oslo last week. The DFA reiterates its support for the Norwegian facilitator and expects the parties to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible to save the ceasefire, as this is an indispensable prerequisite for any peace talks. Commonwealth Secretary General condemns attack on civilians in Sri Lanka
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has expressed his shock at
the deaths of over 60 civilians killed today in Sri Lanka’s North
Central province when their bus ran over a mine.
I extend my profound sympathies to all those families and communities affected by this callous act of terrorism, and by other recent attacks that have taken human life. Sri Lanka is a valued member of the Commonwealth family of nations. We are all bound by our belief in the principle and practice of democracy. So I would also like to express Commonwealth solidarity with all those who are striving to promote dialogue, reconciliation and mutual respect among the people of Sri Lanka.” The British Government Foreign Office Minister Dr. Kim Howells, “I was appalled to hear of this morning’s explosion in Sri Lanka, which resulted in the loss of many innocent lives, and injury to many others. The fact that several children were amongst those killed was particularly distressing. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The British Government condemns such acts of violence unequivocally. I urge strongly the Liberation of Tamil Eelam to put aside its weapons and to be a responsible partner for peace. I note the Government of Sri Lanka’s continued commitment to a negotiated peace, and expect them now to uphold democratic standards in respect of civilians of all backgrounds.” The United Nations United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour condemned today’s attack on a civilian bus in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which reportedly killed 62 civilians and injured more than 40 others, including school-aged children. “This attack is much more than a ceasefire violation, it is a grave breach of the most fundamental tenets of humanity”, the High Commissioner said. “The Government must urgently investigate this case, so that those responsible not only face justice, but the full censure of the international community”. The High Commissioner recalled that today’s attack comes against the backdrop of an alarming trend in recent months in which civilians, including children, are increasingly becoming the targets of escalating violence is Sri Lanka. On 13 May, 13 Tamil civilians were killed on the island of Keyts in Jaffna, including an infant and a young child. On 29 May, 12 Sinhalese construction workers were killed execution-style near Welikanda in Batticaloa. On 9 June, a Tamil family of four including two children, were brutally murdered near Mannar. To date, investigations into these attacks on civilians have yet to produce results. The High Commissioner urged the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure effective measures are in place to prevent any communal backlash and protect civilian life and property for all communities in Sri Lanka, including those displaced from their homes.
Norway condemns
the gruesome attack on civilians in Sri Lanka today. Today’s attack brings the violence in Sri Lanka to a new level. A busload of civilians was the target of a mine attack that was ruthlessly planned and carried out. So far, 63 people are reported to have been killed and 45 injured. This is the bloodiest attack on civilians since the parties to the peace process in Sri Lanka signed the ceasefire agreement in 2002. “This is a gruesome attack on innocent civilians, including children. We send our deepest condolences to their families and to the wounded,” says Minister for International Development Mr Erik Solheim. “We are witnessing a spiral of worsening violence, which is bringing Sri Lanka towards full civil war. Norway requests an immediate halt of all violence in Sri Lanka,” says Minister Solheim.
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