EU Condemns abductions of parliamentarians' relatives

[TamilNet, Thursday, 13 December 2007, 11:14 GMT]
Following reports of abductions of two relatives and a secretary of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarians in Batticaloa, by Sri Lanka Army (SLA) operated paramilitary Pillayan Group, the European Union, on Thursday, condemning abductions said it was deeply concerned by disturbing reports of abductions of a number of civilians connected to members of the Sri Lankan parliament. Kidnapping is the behaviour of terrorists and the EU condemns it without reservation, said a press release issued by the British High Commission, acting as local EU Presidency on behalf of Portugal.

Full text of the press release follows:

EUROPEAN UNION CONDEMNS ABDUCTION

The British High Commission issued the following statement on behalf of the European Union:

The European Union is deeply concerned by disturbing reports of abductions of a number of civilians connected to members of the Sri Lankan parliament. Kidnapping is the behaviour of terrorists and the EU condemns it without reservation.

We call upon those holding the individuals to release them immediately and without harm. We urge those with any influence over the kidnappers to work urgently to this end.

We offer support to all those who seek to fully uphold and safeguard democratic values and the rule of law.

British High Commission
Colombo
13 December 2007

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