US condemns Habarana attack on SL Navy

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 17 October 2006, 09:54 GMT]
The United States Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Public Affairs, Sean McCormack, has condemned the "suicide attack" Monday near Habarana in Sri Lanka. "Though there have been no claims of responsibility this attack is in keeping with the tactics of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam," a press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka said Tuesday. "Only through the cessation of violence, a renewed commitment to peace talks, and constructive engagement by both sides can a political solution to this conflict be achieved."

"As we and others in the international community have made clear, the LTTE must renounce the use of terror," the press release added.

Full text of the press release follows:

For Immediate Release
2006/934

Statement by Sean McCormack, Spokesman United States condemns suicide bombing in Sri Lanka.

The United States condemns yesterday's suicide attack near Habarana, Sri Lanka that killed more than 90 civilians and members of the Sri Lankan Navy. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.

Though there have been no claims of responsibility, this attack is in keeping with the tactics of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a group long designated as Foreign Terrorist Organization by the Department of State. As we and others in the international community have made clear, the LTTE must renounce the use of terror. Only through the cessation of violence, a renewed commitment to peace talks, and constructive engagement by both sides can a political solution to this conflict be achieved.