§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit Sri Lanka; what discussions he has had regarding the political situation in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [53556]
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§ Mr. FatchettMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary currently has no plans to visit Sri Lanka. I hope to reinstate my postponed visit from April as soon as possible. In a range of discussions on Sri Lanka, we have made clear our view that a lasting solution to the conflict there can only be reached through a political settlement. We have said publicly that we stand ready to help in the resolution of the conflict if the parties involved ask us to play a role.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Government initiatives(a) have been taken since 1 January and (b) are currently being planned to bring about a peaceful end to the conflict in Sri Lanka. [54097]
§ Mr. FatchettA lasting solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka requires a political settlement between the parties. We have made clear that we stand ready to help if both sides ask us to play a role.