US condemns LTTE's school shelling

COLOMBO: The United States yesterday condemned the shelling by the LTTE of a school resulting in serious injury to several students.

Issuing a media release, the US Embassy in Colombo stated that the United States was deeply concerned over reports that fighting yesterday between the Forces and the LTTE occurred dangerously close to civilian populations.

In particular, it condemned the reported shelling by the LTTE of a school that led to serious injury of several students.

"We call on both sides to cease hostilities and take all possible measures to ensure that innocent civilians are not harmed. We reiterate that the solution to this conflict is not a military one and can only be achieved through peaceful negotiations," the release said.