SG/SM/6477

SECRETARY-GENERAL OUTRAGED BY NEWS OF BOMB BLAST IN COLOMBO

5 March 1998


Press Release
SG/SM/6477


SECRETARY-GENERAL OUTRAGED BY NEWS OF BOMB BLAST IN COLOMBO

19980305 The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is outraged by the news of a bomb blast today in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, which has killed and injured a large number of civilians, including children.

Once again, the Secretary-General condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the use of violence against civilians. Terrorism cannot be condoned in any circumstances. He calls for an end to the armed conflict in Sri Lanka, which has brought considerable suffering to many innocent non-combatants, and for a peaceful, negotiated settlement of the problem. He extends his condolences to the families of the victims.

* *** *

For information media. Not an official record.