Ok in a nutshell I have had a friend for over 20 years, had our ups and downs like any other friendship but a lot more of disappointments and down moments then good moments. Several years ago the friend moved far away I was sad about it, but now the person is back and I could honestly care less because I am tired of being hurt by this person for so many years. Now once the person is settled they are going to ask me why I haven't bothered to be in touch knowing that the person is in the process of moving back and I will get an earful of totally putting me down in every which way etc. I don't know how to or have the courage to finally tell them how I feel that I really don't want to be friends anymore because of all the hurt caused by them over the years, what should I say?

You need to find the courage to tell them how you feel of you will never be able to clear yourself from this.

Obviously there are more people involved in this so my question is are these common friends you have kept or a group of people you are looking to avoid. Confusing a written.

No actually eventho we have known one another forever, we don't have many mutual friends, so that isn't an issue.

Then I don't see what the issue is since you can choose not to have anything to do with them what so ever.