§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions with(a) the LTTE and (b) other Tamil groups in Sri Lanka have been undertaken by British representatives during the last year. [153595]
551W
§ Mr. WilsonStaff in our High Commission in Colombo regularly meet representatives from all communities in Sri Lanka, including the Tamil community. Foreign Office representatives have met the LTTE's Political Adviser in London to get across important messages about the need for the LTTE to stay engaged in the peace process. We have made clear to all concerned that we fully support Norway's efforts to facilitate peace talks, and that Britain stands ready to help, if asked.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent contact he has had with the Norwegian Government concerning the peace process in Sri Lanka; and what contribution the United Kingdom Government have made to this. [153596]
§ Mr. WilsonWe remain in regular contact with the Norwegian Government. I met Norwegian State Secretary Raymond Johansen on 13 February 2001, and we continue contacts at official level. We fully support Norway's efforts to facilitate peace talks between the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). This offers the best chance of peace. We remain in contact with the parties to the conflict and have made it clear to them that Britain stands ready to help, if asked.