PARIS, Aug. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said Saturday that France strongly condemned the assassination of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, calling for the country's peace process to go on.

    "France strongly condemns yesterday's assassination ... No cause can justify such an act," said Douste-Blazy.

    "The French authorities offer their condolences to the family and associates of Mr Lakshmam Kadirgamar, express solidarity with the Sri Lankan authorities and people," he said.

    The foreign minister stressed the importance of keeping the peace process right on track at this sensitive moment, hoping the assassination won't hamper the current peaceful situation which is obtained after painstaking negotiations.

    Kadirgamar, 73, died in hospital Friday evening soon after being shot by 7 bullets in the head and chest at his home in the capital of Colombo.

    Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has declared a state of emergency and ordered investigation into the incident.

    The separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which had threatened many times to kill Kadirgamar, on Saturday denied involvement.

    Kadirgamar was a Tamil but strongly opposed to separatism. Enditem