§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Sri Lanka. [5387]
§ Dr. Liam FoxWe discuss a wide range of issues with the Sri Lanka Government. Most recently, my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary and I met the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister on 14 October. My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary visited Sri Lanka from 30 to 31 August. I visited from 25 to 29 September.
§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in northern and eastern Sri Lanka [5385]
§ Dr FoxWe continue to believe that the conflict in Sri Lanka can be resolved only through a negotiated settlement.
We have urged the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to make every effort to protect the civilian population and to work actively to reach a negotiated settlement.
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§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what economic, humanitarian and military assistance has been given to the Government of Sri Lanka in the last year. [5388]
§ Dr FoxOur bilateral aid programme to Sri Lanka is some £6.8 million for 1996–97 of which about £1.4 million will be spent through Oxfam and Save the Children Fund on relief and rehabilitation for those displaced by the conflict in the north and east. We have also provided emergency assistance to help those displaced in the north. Details of military assistance are confidential between Governments.
§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Her Majesty's Government's representatives last visited Jaffna; and at what level. [5386]