France firmly condemns the attack on 16 October 2006 which caused the death of 100 and injured more than 150 sailors.

France offers her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and hopes that the numerous injured will have a prompt recovery. France expresses her sincere sympathy to the Sri Lankan authorities.

France has been preoccupied by the continuous spiral of violence over the last weeks. The Sri Lankan conflict cannot be solved through weapons and only a negotiated political agreement can end it.

Consequently, France requests all parties to stop violence and resume rapidly negotiations, in order to reach a political solution.