SLMM calls for immediate end to violence

[TamilNet, Sunday, 04 December 2005, 12:54 GMT]
Pointing to the "countless attacks" in Jaffna peninsula, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) warned that "there is a real danger that these disturbances and hostilities can spread and result in irreparable deterioration of security and prevent any real restoration of normalcy in the affected communities," and said that SLMM "stands ready to assist all the Parties and affected communities in bringing an end to these attacks," in a press release issued in Colombo Sunday,

Full text of the press release follows:

Subject: The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission warns that violence may lead to escalation and appeals the GOSL, the LTTE and to all community leaders to bring an end to the disorder.

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission has observed and witnessed a dangerous trend of violence in the North and the East in the last few days resulting in a number of deaths and injuries of both civilians and security forces personnel.

In Jaffna peninsula, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts there have been countless attacks. The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission warns that there is a real danger that these disturbances and hostilities can spread and result in irreparable deterioration of security and prevent any real restoration of normalcy in the affected communities.

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission therefore appeals to the Government of Sri Lanka, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and to all community leaders to do their utmost to calm down the volatile situation before it escalates any further.

It is important not to forget that behind every death there lies a real tragedy and families are left behind in despair. The Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam have both underlined their commitment to peace in the passing week. We therefore urge them and all other community leaders to use their influence to ensure that violence and attacks come to an immediate end.

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission stands ready to assist all the Parties and affected communities in bringing an end to these attacks. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together closely to achieve a secure environment and peace.