§ 15. Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will meet representatives of the Government of Sri Lanka to discuss human rights issues and the state's policy towards the Tamil people; and if he will make a statement. [1555]
§ Mr. StrawWe remain concerned by reports of human rights abuses in Sri Lanka, and continue to remind the Government of the need to respect human rights. We are also concerned about the plight of civilians affected by the conflict and have urged the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE to cease hostilities and work with Norway to conclude a peaceful settlement.
I look forward to discussing a range of issues with the Sri Lankan Government in due course.
§ 30. Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress in the peace negotiations in Sri Lanka. [1530]
§ Mr. BradshawWe continue to give our wholehearted support to Norway's efforts to facilitate peace talks between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE. We urge both parties to the conflict to intensify their efforts and work with the Norwegians to find a peaceful, negotiated settlement that meets the aspirations of all communities in Sri Lanka.