DISTURBED BY ESCALATING VIOLATIONS OF CEASEFIRE IN SRI LANKA, SECRETARY-GENERAL

URGES PARTIES TO RETURN TO NEGOTIATIONS WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is disturbed by the extensive and escalating violations of the ceasefire in Sri Lanka, which now includes an air attack this week by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

He deeply regrets that air raids, military confrontations on the ground and suicide bombings have become a daily occurrence, prompting massive displacement and suffering for civilians.

The Secretary-General appeals to the parties to the conflict to break this vicious cycle of attack and retaliation, which only leads to more bloodshed and victims.  He urges them to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, without preconditions.

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For information media • not an official record