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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Secretary-General Welcomes Sri Lanka Peace Agreement, 22 February 2002

22 February 2002

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, today welcomed the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

"This breakthrough represents an opportunity for lasting peace that all in Sri Lanka will welcome, after years of suffering and many lives lost," the Secretary-General said.

"I am sure I speak for all in the Commonwealth in paying tribute to the courage and leadership shown by those who have brought this agreement about. I hope it will be implemented in good faith and become an example to all those who seek to resolve differences peacefully."



Note for Editors

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today handed over to the Norwegian Ambassador his Government's signed agreement formalising a cessation of hostilities between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE. The Ambassador confirmed that he had also received the LTTE's signed agreement. Norway have been acting as a facilitator between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE.



02/13 22 February 2002
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