SECRETARY-GENERAL REGRETS DECISION BY SRI LANKA’S GOVERNMENT

TO TERMINATE 2002 CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT

 

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

The Secretary-General regrets the decision made by the Government of Sri Lanka to terminate the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).  He is deeply worried that the withdrawal from the Agreement comes amidst intensifying fighting in the north and increasing violence across the country, including Colombo. 

The Secretary-General urges all concerned to ensure the protection of civilians and enable humanitarian assistance to be provided to affected areas.  He underlines the urgent need to end the bloodshed in Sri Lanka through a political solution.

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For information media • not an official record