NEWS RELEASES
CANADA CONDEMNS BOMBING IN SRI LANKA
June 8, 2000 (4:15 p.m. EDT) No. 148
CANADA CONDEMNS BOMBING IN SRI LANKA
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)
Raymond Chan today expressed Canada's condemnation of the recent escalation of
the conflict in Sri Lanka typified by the terrorist bombing yesterday that resulted in the
deaths of the Sri Lankan Minister of Industrial Development, C.V. Gooneratne, and at
least 20 others.
"These continued attacks serve no purpose other than to terrorize and intimidate the
population. So many civilians have been displaced or killed in the fighting, so many
more remain at risk," said Mr. Axworthy. "The conflict cannot be solved militarily, and I
urge the Sri Lankan government and the rebels to cease hostilities and enter
negotiations to bring about a lasting peace."
Mr. Axworthy noted Canada's support for both the Norwegian government's efforts to
facilitate negotiations and the Sri Lankan government's proposals for the devolution of
power to regional authorities. "We believe that the devolution package could provide a
sound basis for discussion of a peaceful settlement. A durable solution must satisfy the
legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankans, regardless of language, ethnicity or religion,
while preserving Sri Lanka's unity and territorial integrity," Mr. Axworthy added.
"I met with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner last month and informed him of Canada's
concern that the intensification of fighting could cause a humanitarian crisis, both in the
Jaffna Peninsula and the Vanni region," said Mr. Chan. "I also expressed concern about
the effect of recently imposed emergency regulations on civil liberties, including freedom
of the press."
Both Mr. Axworthy and Mr. Chan reiterated Canada's commitment to the fight against
international terrorism and noted that the government is working on domestic policies to
fight terrorist fund-raising. They noted that in Canada, any individual or organization
found to be supporting terrorism anywhere in the world will be dealt with according to
existing laws.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Donovan Hammersley
Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)
(613) 995-1852
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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