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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Secretary-General Condemns Attack on Civilians in Sri Lanka

15 June 2006

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has expressed his shock at the deaths of over 60 civilians killed today in Sri Lanka's North Central province when their bus ran over a mine.

"I am horrified at this senseless loss of civilian life, including children travelling to school. This appalling incident is the latest in a series of violent events which have taken place since the 2002 ceasefire signed by the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). It highlights the fact that it is innocent civilians, from both sides of the conflict, who continue to suffer the most in this longstanding conflict.

I extend my profound sympathies to all those families and communities affected by this callous act of terrorism, and by other recent attacks that have taken human life. Sri Lanka is a valued member of the Commonwealth family of nations. We are all bound by our belief in the principle and practice of democracy.

So I would also like to express Commonwealth solidarity with all those who are striving to promote dialogue, reconciliation and mutual respect among the people of Sri Lanka."

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