US condemns suicide attack in Sri Lanka, blames Tigers

WASHINGTON: The United States condemned Monday a suicide attack in Sri Lanka that left at least 103 people dead and wounded 150 others, blaming the Tamil Tigers for the carnage.

"Though there have been no claims of responsibility, this attack is in keeping with the tactics of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in a statement.

"The United States condemns today's suicide attack near Habarana, Sri Lanka that killed more than 90 civilians and members of the Sri Lankan navy. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims," McCormack said.

"As we and others in the international community have made clear, the LTTE must renounce the use of terror," he said. "Only through the cessation of violence, a renewed commitment to peace talks, and constructive engagement by both sides can a political solution to this conflict be achieved."

The United States together with Japan, the European Union and Norway are co-chairs of the Tokyo donors' conference, which had tied 4.5 billion dollars of aid to Sri Lanka to progress on a peace settlement.

The Tamil Tigers are fighting for an independent homeland in the north and east of the country.