Catholic Bishops condemn LTTE killings

In a statement released to the media yesterday regarding the killing of innocent civilians by the LTTE the Catholic Bishop’s Conference “condemned such killings in the strongest possible terms”.

“We, in the context of the ongoing war, are very much concerned about the plight of the innocent civilians who have become victims of the prevailing violence.

We have been deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the news that the LTTE had targeted the innocent civilians and that so many of them have been killed. We wish to abhor such violence and condemn such killings in the strongest possible terms.

“Everyone involved in the conflict is duty bound to respect and abide by the International law, to protect life and meet the most basic human needs of the innocent civilians.

We, in the name of God and all peace-loving men and women, wish to urge most strongly the LTTE to refrain from targeting the innocent civilians and that their lives be spared and that their right to life be respected at all costs. We encourage all concerned to assist the innocent civilians.

“The Catholic Bishops’ Conference while deploring the deaths of the innocent cries out to God and expresses to the bereaved families its deepest sympathies,” the statement said.