SG/SM/7900
27 July 2001

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ATTACK BY TAMIL TIGERS ON COLOMBO AIRPORT

NEW YORK, 26 July (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General has continued to follow closely developments in Sri Lanka and was deeply dismayed by the recent attack of the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) against the international airport in Colombo. The Secretary-General condemns this terrorist act and the disregard by the LTTE for the lives of civilians.

The Secretary-General urges all sectors of Sri Lankan society to make every effort to initiate and sustain a viable peace process. He reiterates his support for the efforts of the Government of Norway to facilitate a negotiated political solution to the destructive conflict in Sri Lanka.

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