"Avoid civilian casualties," EU tells warring parties

[TamilNet, Thursday, 29 November 2007, 11:43 GMT]
The European Union on Thursday said it remained "gravely concerned about the welfare of civilians caught up in the Sri Lanka's conflict - in the Wanni, in Colombo or wherever," and said it expected the parties to take the utmost care to avoid civilian casualties in accordance with international humanitarian law. The statement condemned Wednesday's "terrorist attacks in Colombo" and deplored "deliberate targeting of civilians."

Full text of the statement issued by the British High Commission on behalf of the European Union, follows:

"The European Union condemns yesterday's terrorist attacks in Colombo and deplores the deliberate targeting of civilians. These callous attacks can have no political justification and serve only to add to the suffering and grief of ordinary Sri Lankans. We extend our condolences to the victims and their families and friends.

The EU remains gravely concerned about the welfare of civilians caught up in the Sri Lanka's conflict - in the Wanni, in Colombo or wherever. It expects the parties to take the utmost care to avoid civilian casualties in accordance with international humanitarian law.”

Colombo
11/29/07