New York

12 April 2006

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Sri Lanka

The Secretary-General is very concerned about the escalating violence and loss of life in Sri Lanka, including mine attacks on soldiers and police and targeted killings of political activists. He notes that crucial talks between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are scheduled to take place from 19-21 April in Geneva under Norwegian facilitation.

The Secretary-General believes that it is of utmost importance to find ways to implement the Ceasefire Agreement, start re-building trust and lay the foundations for a lasting peace.

The Secretary-General appeals to both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to meet in Geneva as planned.