The French Embassy in Sri Lanka stated it would continue to closely follow the case of 17 aid workers, who were shot dead by Sri Lankan security forces, in order to ensure that justice is served for the killings.

Stating that “the Embassy will continue to pay close attention to developments in this case to ensure justice is served,” it went on to add,

“The French Embassy has reminded the Attorney General that the protection of witnesses was a prerequisite in the course of the investigation and that all methods used during the investigation must serve the sole objective of bringing to justice those responsible for the massacre of 17 aid workers of ACF.”

The 17 Action Contre la Faim (ACF) workers, mostly Tamils, were lined up and summarily executed on 4th August 2006 in Muttur, Trincomalee. The charity stated Sri Lankan security forces were responsible for the massacre.

Responding to the Sri Lankan Attorney General’s suggestion that witnesses in France should be interviewed, the French Embassy said,

“We like to clarify that, although we do believe that every possible means of finding the culprits should be explored, the proposition to facilitate the obtaining of statements from witnesses living in France or in Sri Lanka was not made by the French Embassy.”

“The Attorney General suggested it was necessary to collect all information from eye witnesses, including from those who live in France. He expressed his hope that those in France would come forward to testify, be it anonymously, in France itself or by travelling to Sri Lanka. The Embassy of France took note of this proposition but did not offer any particular assistance in this regard.”