Canada condemns attacks on civilians, escalation of violence

[TamilNet, Thursday, 29 November 2007, 15:01 GMT]
Maxime Bernier, the Canadian minister of foreign affairs on Wednesday condemned the "escalation of violence in Sri Lanka and, in particular, the killing of civilians, whether targeted or accidental." Our sincere sympathies are with the families and friends of the victims, irrespective of their ethnicity. Canada called on all parties to renounce violence and return to political negotiations.

November 28, 2007 (7:30 p.m. EST)
No. 168


STATEMENT ON THE ESCALATION OF VIOLENT ATTACKS IN SRI LANKA

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued the following statement regarding the escalation of violent attacks in Sri Lanka:

"Canada strongly condemns the escalation of violence in Sri Lanka and, in particular, the killing of civilians, whether targeted or accidental. Our sincere sympathies are with the families and friends of the victims, irrespective of their ethnicity.

"Canada continues to call on all parties to renounce violence, return to political negotiations and work toward a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

"We are especially concerned about the impact of the fighting on the safety and security of civilians caught in the crossfire. Canada urges all parties to respect international human rights and humanitarian law, to ensure humanitarian agencies have access to areas affected by the conflict, and to protect civilians, humanitarian workers and human-rights defenders."