French Tamils protest against killing by Sri Lanka State

Hundreds of French Tamils in the east of France assembled in front of the European Parliment in Strasbourg between 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on October 24, and demonstrated against the killing of Tamils, and aerial bombardment in the civilian settlements in the North East.

The demonstrators carried pictures of civilians killed by aerial bombings and artillery attacks.

The Mayor of Strasbourg, represented by the Deputy Mayor, Mr Eric Elkouby, showed his support for the demonstration by standing amidst the protesters under heavy rain.

Condemning the silence of the International Community while genocide is being perpetrated against the Tamils, the protesters said the war against terror has turned victims into terrorists.

The protesters urged the European Community to organize transport of food and medical supplies to Vanni residents, and to lead the world community in finding a negotiated political settlement for the Sri Lanka conflict.

People carried placards and shouted slogans condemning the genocidal crimes of the Sri Lanka state against the Tamil people.

Mr Robert Evans, President of the European Parliament's South Asia's group, accompanied by Mrs Jean Lambert, another member of this group, met the protesters and encouraged them in their effort to publicize the atrocities of the State, and added that they knew the grave situation in Vanni.

They said that they were watching closely the developing situation in Sri Lanka.