EU welcomes gov’t commitment to probe Linden killings

The European Union today issued a statement welcoming the government’s commitment to hold an investigation into the killing by police of three protesters at Linden yesterday.

It also associated itself with a statement issued earlier in the day by representatives of the US, UK and Canada calling for all parties to work together in a spirit of national unity.

The EU statement follows:

“The European Union Delegation wishes to express its regret at the incidents that took place July 18th, 2012, in the mining town of Linden resulting in the tragic loss of life of protesters, and would like to convey its condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives or suffered injury.

“The European Union Delegation welcomes the commitment of the Government of Guyana to hold an investigation into the events, and encourages launching it as soon as possible.

“The European Union Delegation associates itself with the statement issued earlier today of other Diplomatic Representatives in Guyana in appealing to all parties to work together in a spirit of national unity to prevent any further violence incompatible with the right of people to peaceful protest, and advocates for the resolution of any existing tension through an open and inclusive dialogue.”