Tuesday, August 8 2006 12:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: The United Nations has 'strongly condemned' the killing of 15 French aid workers in northeastern Sri Lanka and asked the authorities to apprehend those responsible.

In a statement yesterday, the world body also urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Tamil separatists and the Government on the strife-torn island.

The aid workers from the French organisation 'Action against hunger', who were providing assistance to survivors from the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, were killed in the town of Mattur, according to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Country Team for Sri Lanka, which is chaired by the UNFs humanitarian coordinator but also brings together non-governmental aid agencies.

The country team said the killings were 'a totally reprehensible act' and called for an independent investigation.

It added that many civilians have been killed since fighting started in the area and called for a cessation of hostilities, UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.

UN Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery and former United States President Bill Clinton expressed shock at the killings, extending condolences to the affected families and urging the authorities to do everything possible to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime and to bring them to justice.

"I hope that this wanton act will not deter the critical efforts of aid workers in Sri Lanka, who have operated with courage and determination under difficult circumstances," Clinton said in a statement.