[ Vavuniya News Media, 05/31/06 20:34:40 GMT by admin | Category: General Info ]

A declaration by the EU presidency, currently held by Austria, said the ban on Tamil Tiger rebels could not have been a surprise, but Colombo too must curb violence in areas under its control. It did not spell out the possible measures, but noted that the escalation of violence in the island, where more than 600 people were killed since December despite a 2002 truce, was not the fault of the the Tamil Tigers alone. "The upsurge in violence is not caused by the LTTE alone," said the three-page declaration. "The EU strongly urges the Sri Lankan authorities to curb violence in government-controlled areas. The EU notes with concern the growing number of reports of extra-judicial killings."

Full Text

The European Union, which banned Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels, issued a declaration today blaming the government here for the upsurge in violence.

The rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), who were outlawed on Monday by the 25-member European block, could draw consolation from the wrapping on the knuckles given to the Colombo administration too.

A declaration by the EU presidency, currently held by Austria, said the ban on Tamil Tiger rebels could not have been a surprise, but Colombo too must curb violence in areas under its control.

"The EU will keep the situation in Sri Lanka under active review, taking account of the activities of all parties to the conflict," the declaration said.

"It will remain ready to adopt further measures as and when they may be warranted by changing circumstances."

It did not spell out the possible measures, but noted that the escalation of violence in the island, where more than 600 people were killed since December despite a 2002 truce, was not the fault of the the Tamil Tigers alone.

"The upsurge in violence is not caused by the LTTE alone," said the three-page declaration.

"The EU strongly urges the Sri Lankan authorities to curb violence in government-controlled areas. The EU notes with concern the growing number of reports of extra-judicial killings."

It said the Union will keep a close watch on the activities of para-military units which the Tigers say are working with government forces to attack it.

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