U.S. concern over air-raids

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, JULY 3.The U.S. today expressed concern at the weekend air-raids by the Sri Lanka Air Force in Jaffna peninsula and reiterated its support for a negotiated settlement to the island's conflict.

In response to a query from an international news agency, the U.S. Embassy here said it had noted with concern the Sri Lankan government's decision to carry out the air-raids.

``While we respect the right of any nation to defend its territorial integrity, it is also true that violence begets violence,'' the U.S. Embassy said.

It said the U.S. supported Norway's attempts to facilitate negotiations between the government and the LTTE.

The response came on the heels of an expression of ``disappointment'' from New Delhi at ``events'' in Sri Lanka soon after the air-raids.

The Sri Lankan government has said it acted to pre- empt a massive offensive by the LTTE in Jaffna peninsula. However, the air-raids have been interpreted as a response by the government to the political crisis that it is facing with an Opposition attempt to defeat it in Parliament over a vote to extend the Emergency regulations in the country.

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Section  : International
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