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| Sunday, 14 August 2005 |
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World condemns assassination World leaders, ambassadors, political parties yesterday condemned the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. They expressed their condolences to the Sri lankan Government and his family. Excerpts of their statements: UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan: I am shocked and saddened to learn few hours ago about the assassination of Sri lankan Foreign Minister. I deplore in the strongest of terms this criminal and senseless act and hopes that the perpetrators will be found and brought to justice. I express condolences to his family of the deceased and his sympathy with all Sri Lankans in this hour of sorrow. Sri Lanka has lost a deeply respected statesman dedicated to peace and unity. I hope that this tragedy will not weaken the commitment of the people of Sri Lanka to achieve a durable peace in the country. Indian Government: The Government of India condemns unreservedly the tragic assassination. We have learnt with deep shock and profound grief of the brutal assassination of Sri Lanka's distinguished Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and long-standing friend of India. This has been a heinous act and we condemn it unreservedly. We hope that the perpetrators of this terrorist crime will be brought to justice. The Government of India's support for the unity and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka remains constant and undiluted. US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice I am shocked and saddened by the assassination of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. This senseless murder was a vicious act of terror, which the United States strongly condemns. Those responsible must be brought to justice. Together, we must honour his memory by re-dedicating ourselves to peace and ensuring that the Cease-Fire remains in force. Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi: "I am greatly shocked and saddened at the tragic news that Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was assassinated.I strongly condemn that act of violence and would like to offer my deepest condolences to his family and the people of Sri Lanka on behalf of the Government and the people of Japan." Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer "Heinous act of terrorism" should not be allowed to derail the peace process. He was deeply saddened and disturbed to learn of Kadirgamar's death, describing him as an eminent statesman, colleague and friend. Australia's strong hope that, despite this terrorist act, the Sri Lankan peace process will continue, including through early implementation of the Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS). Canadian Foreign Minister, Pierre Pettigrew: Said Friday that Canada condemned the assassination of his Sri Lankan counterpart, Lakshman Kadirgamar."This is an unconscionable act committed against a member of the Sri Lankan government.Canada urges restraint by all parties. The perpetrators of this terrible act must be brought to justice," Pettigrew said. Norwegian Foreign Minister, Jan Petersen: The assassination of the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister is a gruesome deed which is deeply tragic for Sri Lanka, says Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs. I condemn this killing of a significant politician and a respected representative for his country. The killing puts the peace process in Sri Lanka to a serious test. It is now of great importance that both parties to the conflict do their utmost to fully fulfil their obligations according to the ceasefire agreement. British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw I strongly condemn the brutal killing of Mr. Kadirgamar yesterday. Mr. Kadirgamar served with distinction as Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister for several years and had close personal ties to the UK. I always found my meetings with him very useful. His death will be a great loss to Sri Lanka, the region and the international community. British High Commission in its capacity as local presidency of the European Union: Heads of Mission based in Colombo issuing a statement condemning the assassination expressed condolence to his family. Commissioner of European Union, Ferrero Waldner: This senseless murder robs Sri Lanka of a man of great stature and dignity who had dedicated himself to finding a peaceful and democratic solution to his country's ills. He will be greatly missed. French Foreign Minister, Philippe Douste-Blazy "France firmly condemns the murder of the foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and no cause can justify such an act, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said. French authorities offer their condolences to the family of Mr. Kadirgamar and express their sympathy and solidarity to the authorities and the People of Sri Lanka. South African foreign Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma echoed those sentiments, saying: "Quite clearly the objective of this assassination was to derail the current peace process. Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. "Thailand strongly condemns this criminal and barbaric act of violence." "Sri Lanka has lost a national hero. His devotion to peace in Sri Lanka will always be cherished and remembered by all of us." Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said. Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia Bangladesh's Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia told BSS News that late Foreign Minister Kadirgarma was an "outstanding statesman and with his untimely death, the world and South Asia in particular, has lost a leader and a man of peace." In a condolence message she called the killing a "dastardly act" and said she hoped the assailants would be brought to justice. Russia and Switzerland Russia condemned the killing as a "barbarous terrorist act" and Switzerland said it was "hateful" and "absolutely injustified". |
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