Alghabra: A call for ceasefire in Sri Lanka

MISSISSAUGA - Omar Alghabra, Liberal Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale, is deeply troubled by the recent escalation of violence in Sri Lanka. Reports indicate that dozens of school girls have been killed and more than 150 have been injured in an air raid in the rebel-controlled district of Mullitivu.

In recent days, fierce fighting between government forces and Tamil Tigers has been escalating and civilians have been bearing the brunt of this conflict.

 "Canada must speak up and asks both sides for an immediate ceasefire," said Omar Alghabra. "Our government should not stand idle when innocent civilians are being exposed to reckless bombardment."

 Sri Lanka's northern territory has experienced heavy shelling as government forces and Tamil Tigers battle for control of certain areas. This violence may damage the 2002 ceasefire agreement and put it at serious risk of collapse. Aid agencies on the ground report that about 100,000 people have been affected by the latest fighting.

 "I urge the Conservative government to exert real and significant diplomatic pressure to end the violence and call for a return to the negotiation table," said Alghabra. "Canadians are hopeful that the Conservatives will act responsibly and speak out for the well being of innocent civilians around the world. 

Canadians have strong cultural and familial ties with Sri Lanka and are increasingly concerned about the trend of violence in the region. Military solutions will not bring an end to this conflict and Canada should support Norway in its role in helping all parties find a peaceful resolution.

 Below please find a statement from the Hon. Bryon Wilfert, Liberal Critic for Foreign Affairs (Asia-Pacific):

The escalating violence between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is a grave concern for Canadians and the global community.

On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I urge both sides to cease hostilities and return to negotiations toward a just and lasting solution to the tragic conflict that has ravaged the country and its people for nearly 20 years.  Given the hardship faced by the Sri Lankan people following the Tsunami, it is particularly important for both sides to avoid civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

I also encourage Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay and the Conservative government to return to Canada's traditional role of supporting international efforts toward a sustainable ceasefire agreement.

Fostering an environment conducive to reinvigorating the peace process must be our goal, and with the goodwill of all parties, I believe it can be attained.