Media Release
Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer
16 June 2006
AUSTRALIA CONDEMNS ATTACK ON PUBLIC BUS IN SRI LANKA
Australia strongly condemns the callous attack of 15 June on a crowded public bus in northern Sri Lanka which killed 64 innocent civilians, including many children.
Australia remains concerned by the recent deterioration in the ceasefire and the decision of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to boycott talks in Oslo with the Government of
Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening ceasefire monitoring arrangements through the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission.
Australia welcomes the Government of Sri Lanka’s re-affirmation of the principles which underpin the ceasefire and calls on the LTTE to re-engage in the peace process in order to avert Sri Lanka’s concerning slide towards war.
Australia encourages the parties to refrain from further violence and to work towards creating a situation in which achieving a negotiated solution to the conflict is possible.
Media contact: Tony Parkinson (Ministerial) 0409536 410
Scott Bolitho (Departmental) 02 6261 1555