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Wednesday,April 09, 2008 - 06.45 GMT |
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Government denies allegations regarding the Madhu
Shrine |
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The Government categorically denies allegations
originated by certain parties that Sri Lankan
security forces have been shelling the Shrine of Our
Lady of Madhu.
Acting Foreign Minister, Hussein A. Bhaila met the
Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Monsignor Mario
Zenari at the Foreign Ministry yesterday (April 8)
and briefed him on the present situation at the
Madhu Shrine.
The Acting Minister informed the Apostolic Nuncio,
that the LTTE has brazenly violated the sanctity of
the Shrine by its use of the Church precincts for
hostile action, despite the fervent and repeated
appeals, both by the Bishop of Mannar and the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Notwithstanding
repeated provocations by the LTTE, which has been
attacking the security forces from the vicinity of
the Church, including the deployment of heavy
mortars, the government forces have not returned
fire, in order to avoid causing damage to the Sacred
Shrine.
Acting Minister Bhaila urged Msgr Zenari to use his
good offices with the Catholic Church of Sri Lanka
to exert pressure on the LTTE to immediately vacate
the precincts of the Madhu Church and ensure the
safe return of the Statue to the Madhu Shrine.
The Apostolic Nuncio in response assured the Acting
Minister that he would discuss this matter at a
meeting with the Catholic Bishops in Kandy today
(April 9) and would also convey the Government’s
position to the authorities at the Holy See.
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