Sri Lanka condemns civilian attacks -Ravinatha Aryasinha

Sri Lanka condemned all acts of deliberate attacks on civilians in the occupied Palestine territory and east Jerusalem, at a special session of the Human Rights Council convened on Wednesday.

Referring to the statement by Iran on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement, Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinha said, "The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned at the recent escalation of violence in Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of civilian lives, and extensive damage to property.

"One cannot remain unmoved by the cruel fate of children who are innocent victims of violence. We offer our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and for the devastation and grief they have suffered recently."

Sri Lanka called upon the parties concerned to exercise restraint in a bid to halt the violence and ensure a climate conducive to the recommencement of negotiations while pressing for direct talks for a lasting solution.

It also supported the Egyptian initiation of a ceasefire while expressing solidarity, despite being a non voting member, for the resolution calling for a probe on to Israel's offensive on Gaza. Aryasinha said it provided a 'trajectory in keeping with the ground situation, to overcome the challenge to achieve peace and security in the region which we hope would get the widest support in the Council'.

India, China and Russia voted in favour of the resolution moved by Palestine. It was passed with 29 in favour and 17 abstentions. The US was the only country to vote against while the European countries abstained.

As the death toll increased to 800, Israel and Hamas agreed to a 12 hour ceasefire on Saturday.