HC Deb 10 July 1997 vol 297 c538W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent discussions between his Minister of State and the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. [7175]

Mr. Fatchett

I met the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr. Kadirgamar, on 5 June. We discussed bilateral relations and the current situation in Sri Lanka, including the Sri Lankan government's effort to find a resolution to the ethnic conflict.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals Her Majesty's Government have advanced regarding the possibility of playing a mediating role in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. [7176]

Mr. Fatchett

We have said publicly that we stand ready to help in the resolution of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka if both sides ask us to play a role.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to visit Sri Lanka. [7177]

Mr. Fatchett

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, has no plans to visit at present, but I hope to do so before very long.