§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have altered their assessment in Sri Lanka since 9 June when the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Mr. Baldry, stated the Government's policy in another place (H.C. Deb. col. 474).
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe continue to believe that a lasting solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka can only be achieved through peaceful negotiation. We welcome the Sri Lanka Government's initiative in proposing a wide ranging devolution package as the basis for negotiation. We hope that talks on a sustainable settlement will be resumed. We have called on both the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to make every effort to avoid civilian casualties and to protect the civilian population in the current conflict.