Forum-Asia condemns wave of assassinations

FORUM-ASIA strongly condemns recent killing spree in Sri Lanka, including that of the Foreign Minister, Radio and TV broadcaster and her husband.

Such killings must not be allowed to continue for it will strongly undermine the ongoing peace process which is still fragile even after years of efforts, Forum Asia said.

"Though the MoU between the Government and LTTE in February 2002 had put a stop to thousands of killings due to the war, we are still concerned with regards to the escalation of violence, particularly the killings of Tamil political party members, journalists, intelligents in the last few years.

We urge the authorities to conduct speedy investigations into all killings, irrespective of status, political ideologies, ethnicity and identity of the victims and to ensure that justice is done, following due process. We also urge the LTTE, all political parties and all others concerned to cooperate in the investigations.

While we are conscious that these killings will be a major setback to the peace process, particularly the confidence-building efforts under way, we urge all parties concerned, particularly the Government, LTTE, other political parties and foreign Governments to renew their commitment to the peace process and to resume peace talks."