Secretary-General very concerned about escalating violence,

loss of life in sri lanka

 

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

The Secretary-General is very concerned about the escalating violence and loss of life in Sri Lanka, including mine attacks on soldiers and police and targeted killings of political activists.  He notes that crucial talks between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are scheduled to take place from 19 to 21 April in Geneva under Norwegian facilitation.

The Secretary-General believes that it is of utmost importance to find ways to implement the Ceasefire Agreement, start rebuilding trust and lay the foundations for a lasting peace.

The Secretary-General appeals to both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to meet in Geneva as planned.

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For information media • not an official record