Canada condemns forced removal of Tamils

[TamilNet, Sunday, 10 June 2007, 00:03 GMT]
Canadian High Commission, on Saturday, issued a press statement condemning the forced removal of Tamils from Colombo back to conflict zones in the north and east and welcomed the stay issued by the Sri Lankan Supreme Court. The Canadian statement further said there cannot be a military solution to the conflict that has besieged the island for more than 20 years.

Full text of the press release follows:

CANADIAN STATEMENT ON THE FORCED REMOVAL OF TAMILS FROM THE SRI LANKAN CAPITAL

The Canadian High Commission today issued the following statement:

"Canada condemns the forced removal of citizens of Tamil origin from Colombo back to the conflict zones in the north and the east".

"Whilst Canada acknowledges that the Sri Lankan government has the right and the duty to protect itself and its citizens against potential terrorist attacks, such as the reprehensible bombings in Colombo Fort and Rathmalana in recent weeks, the heavy-handedness of this sweeping action will only alienate the vast majority of innocent Tamils and further complicate the search for a durable peace settlement ."

"Canada welcomes the stay issued by the Supreme Court which prevents further removals and notes that President Rajapakse has directed that these people be returned to Colombo if they wish."

"Canada reiterates that there cannot be a military solution to the conflict that has besieged this Island for more than 20 years and reaffirms the need for a political solution where the rights and aspirations of all citizens of Sri Lanka can be respected."