Written question asked by Andrew Love (Labour) on Monday, 27 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 31 July 1998. It was answered by Derek Fatchett (Labour) on Friday, 31 July 1998 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans he has to visit Sri Lanka; and what discussions he has had regarding the political situation in Sri Lanka.

Answer: Mr. Love: To 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] Mr. Fatchett: My 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.

Secondary information