In statement issued to the media, Foreign Office Minister Lord Malloch-Brown said, "There is an urgent need to end the senseless loss of lives caused by such acts of violence and for all parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka to take responsibility for the protection and safety of the civilian population".

bear the hallmarks of LTTE attacks

In a statement issued on Friday, Amnesty International blamed the Tamil Tigers for the recent attacks on civilians,"The authorities blamed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for the attacks. While no group has publicly admitted responsibility for the attacks, they bear the hallmarks of LTTE attacks".

Amnesty International has repeatedly condemned abuses by the LTTE, including killings of civilians, hostage-taking, torture and other abuses - Amnesty International

In their statement, prominent human rights organisation strongly condemns the activities of the rebels. "Amnesty International has repeatedly condemned abuses by the LTTE, including killings of civilians, hostage-taking, torture and other abuses, and has called for an end to such abuses and for those responsible to be brought to justice in conformity with international law".

comply with the rules of international law

The organisation also calls for respect of rights from all sides in the conflict. "Amnesty International is calling on the Sri Lankan government to ensure that its security forces comply with Sri Lanka’s obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, and in particular to ensure that the civilian population are protected at all times".

Amnesty International is also calling on the LTTE and other armed groups to comply with the rules of international law and to respect civilian life.