Abductions, threat to peace, say US Congressmen

[TamilNet, Saturday, 04 February 2006, 12:48 GMT]
United States Congressmen Sherrod Brown and Patrick Tiberi, in a letter to the Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, Ms Christina Rocca said that the "situation surrounding the remaining abductees [seven TRO staffers] greatly threatens any peace negotiations that are in process unless the matter can be resolved quickly."

Full text of the letter follows:

The Honorable Christina B. Rocca
Assistant Secretary of State
Bureau of South Asian Affairs
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington DC 20520

Dear Assistant Secretary of State Rocca:

We are writing today to bring to your attention an issue that we believe is of great importance to prospects for peace in South Asia.

It is our understanding that ten tsunami relief workers were recently abducted in the island nation of Sri Lanka. In the past few days, two of those workers have been released. We feel that the situation surrounding the rmaining abductees greatly threatens any peace negotiations that are in process unless the matter can be resolved quickly. Given the consequences for the people of Sri Lanka, it would be tragic if the efforts for peace were needlessly compromised.

Thanks you for your quick and urgent response. We hope that you will give the situation your full consideration and take whatever steps may be appropriate.

Sincerely,

Patrick Tiberi, Member of Congress
Sherrod Brown, Member of Congress

CC: Congressman Henry J.Hyde, Chairman
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on International Relations

External Links:

USGov:		Sherrod Brown (D- OH 13th District)
USGov:		Patrick J Tiberi (R- OH 12th District)