Hon Phil Goff
Leader of the Labour Party

4 March 2009 Media Statement

Labour Leader deplores cricket team attack

Labour Leader Phil Goff has described the attack by gunmen on Sri Lankan cricketers as abhorrent.

“I deplore this gross act of violence. I am sure that all New Zealanders will be deeply shocked and angry at this cowardly attack. It is a chilling reminder of the terrorist bombing seven years ago outside the Karachi hotel where the New Zealand Cricket team were staying.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with the families and friends of those who were killed and injured. I would also like to extend on behalf of the New Zealand Labour Party our deepest sympathies to the Sri Lankan Government and cricket team and the Sri Lankan community in New Zealand.

“The apparent deliberate targeting of an international sports team is a worrying development, eight months out from the Black Caps planned tour to Pakistan.

ENDS

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