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Up to 40 killed in Israeli strike on Gaza school

Israeli tank fire killed up to 40 Palestinians at a United Nations school in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, medical sources at two hospitals said.

Two tank shells exploded outside the school, spraying shrapnel on people inside and outside the building, where hundreds of Palestinians had sought refuge from fighting between Israeli soldiers and Hamas militants.

In addition to the dead, several dozen people were wounded, the officials said.

Medical officials said all the dead were either people sheltering in the school or local residents.

GAZA, Tuesday, Reuters

US calls for immediate, durable Gaza ceasefire

The United States would like to see an immediate cease-fire in Gaza that would hold up over time, a State Department spokesman said on Tuesday.

"We would like an immediate cease-fire, absolutely," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

"An immediate ceasefire that is durable, sustainable and not time-limited."

WASHINGTON, Reuters

More PC members to join UPFA

CHAMINDA PERERA

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena yesterday said over 20 Provincial Councillors in the Central and North Western Provincial Council will soon join ranks with the United People's Freedom Alliance in support of Government's mission to eradicate terrorism.

He said the Government has planned to hold Provincial Council and local government elections in the North after the Security Forces liberate the LTTE's last bastion , Mullaitivu .

"Elections in the North would ensure the rights of Tamil civilians denied by the terrorists. They would enjoy dividends of peace and development after Mullaitivu is liberated by the Forces," he said.

Together for all

CHAMINDA PERERA

People in their thousands thronged the Parliament roundabout yesterday to denounce the statements made by certain political elements with malice and hatred to underestimate the gallantry of forces in the liberation of Kilinochchi.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe commenting on the Kilinochchi victory has said that all military victories were possible due to the Ceasefire Agreement, he signed with the LTTE leadership.

Trade union activists, politicians, State and private sector employees who were present at the Parliament roundabout made a vow that no force is allowed to underestimate the security Forces victories in the North.

Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana said country owed a debt to the Forces and their sacrifice was beyond estimate.

"All political parties should shed petty differences and join hands to defeat our common enemy," he said.

Public lecture

A public lecture organised by Peace Secretariat for Muslims (PSM) will be held today at 5 pm at Hotel Ranmuthu, Colombo 3 to discuss about the current issues of Northern evicted Muslim refugees.

This is one of the series of lectures initiated by PSM.

Muharam celebration

The Moors' Islamic Cultural Home will celebrate Muharam this year on January 9 at 4.15 p.m. MICH Fort, 27 Bristol Street, Colombo 1 with the recital of Manaquibal Hussain.

This will be followed by a talk by Moulavi M.M. Ahamed Shah (Jamali Fayazi) Kalifathul Qadiri, Jisthi, Katheeb, Maradana Mosque, Colombo.

President MICH Alhaj O.Z. Kamil will preside.
 

US condemns attack on MTV studio

The United States strongly condemns the brazen attack on Maharaja Television and Broadcasting Studio Complex early this morning.

We call on the authorities to investigate thoroughly this serious crime and bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice. The US deplores this latest in a series of criminal attacks on the independent media in Sri Lanka. A free press that is not subject to intimidation or violence is an essential component of any democracy, a press release from the US Embassy said.

TULF condemns attack

The Tamil United Liberation Front very strongly condemns the dastardly act of causing extensive damage to the buildings and causing damage to Sirasa, Sakthi and the MTV.

The said Radio and TV stations catered to the needs and tastes of all sections irrespective of age, langauge or religion. One can't understand as to how an individual can have any grievance against any one of these stations.

The authorities concerned should go all out to arrest the unscrupulous persons responsible for this heinous crime and punish them suitably, as a deterrent for any one getting involved in this type of crimes in the future, TULF President V. Anandasangaree said in a press release.

Sri Lanka Press Institute condemns attack

The Board of Directors of the Sri Lanka Press Institute unreservedly condemns the armed intrusion, acts of arson and destruction of the MTV/MBC offices in Pannipitiya.

The Board of the SLPI calls on the Government to carry out an immediate investigation to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of this violent act. This is yet another of a series of attacks on media personnel and institutions.

The Board reiterates that media freedom is an integral part of democratic society and a fundamental right of the people that must be safeguarded at all times. A paramount responsibility rests with the Government to protect this basic right of the people, the SLPI said in a press release.

Archbishop condemns attack

"It was appalling to hear of the dastardly act of violence and destruction on the Sirasa media organisation during the early hours of this morning and before, Archbishop of Colombo Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis said.

The freedom of information is one of the basic rights of every person in human society. It is certainly so in a society that professes to be democratic.

"Thus the attack on Sirasa is an onslaught on that basic freedom of all persons who value democracy and should be viewed not just as an attack on one single media organisation, but as an attack on one of the fundamental liberties of our whole democratic institution," the Archbishop said.