§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what reports he has received from representatives of the UK Government in Sri Lanka concerning(a) President Chandrika Kumaratunga's declaration of a state of emergency on 5 November; and (b) Mrs. Kumaratunga's dismissal of the Sri Lankan Defence, Interior and Media Ministers; and if he will make a statement; [137707]
(2) when his Department will assess the impact of Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga's declaration of a state of emergency on 5 November on the Sri Lankan peace process; what discussions he has had with (a) President Chandrika Kumaratunga, (b) Colonel Sumedha Perera, (c) Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, (d) representatives and members of the Government of India and (e) representatives and members of the Government of Japan; and if he will make a statement. [137708]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienIn my press statement on 6 November I said that we were following developments in Sri Lanka with increasing anxiety. A copy of the press release is available on the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk/policy/news-press-releases. We have noted subsequent developments but remain particularly concerned for a speedy resumption of dialogue in a complex peace process. The UK strongly supports the peace process and hopes that the Sri Lankan President and Government will be able to resolve the current political uncertainties in a spirit of common commitment to the peace process.
Representatives of the British High Commission in Colombo meet regularly with Government and donor representatives. In the week beginning 3 November, the High Commissioner has met the President and a senior Government Minister and spoke to the Prime Minister; High Commission officials have met with representatives of the Indian and Japanese Governments and have spoken with representatives of the military.
§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Sri Lanka. [138826]
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§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe welcome the reportedly cordial meeting between the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on 12 November, and their decision to continue dialogue with all parties concerned and to meet again next week. It is most important that they quickly agree on how the peace process will again be taken forward. We also welcome the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's continuing commitment to the peace process and ceasefire agreement. The continuing political uncertainties must not be allowed to jeopardise that process.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the declaration of a state of emergency in Sri Lanka and its effects on the civil rights of Sri Lankan citizens. [139050]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe state of emergency in Sri Lanka, declared on 5 November, was lifted on 7 November, before the official gazette notification had been issued, and before any action had been taken by the President under emergency powers. The civil rights of Sri Lankan citizens were not adversely affected by the state of emergency.