Australia is deeply concerned about the recent escalation in violence in the North and East of Sri Lanka, and condemns in particular the two attacks in Jaffna on 4 and 6 December by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which killed fourteen members of the Sri Lanka Army.

Australia also condemns the recent killing of civilians in eastern coastal areas of Sri Lanka.

The recent attacks represent the most serious violations of the Ceasefire Agreement since its commencement in February 2002.

Australia welcomes the restraint shown by the Government of Sri Lanka in not retaliating against these provocations, but remains concerned about persistent violations of the Ceasefire Agreement.

I call upon both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to take appropriate steps to bring an end to the current violence and to work towards the implementation of the letter and spirit of the Ceasefire Agreement as a crucial step in seeking a just and sustainable peace settlement.