To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make it her policy to seek United Nations backing for any agreement between the Tamil Tiger Peace Co-ordinating body and the Sri Lankan Government; and if she will make a statement. (138611)

We support the need for a negotiated settlement of the conflict and the Norwegian Government's position as facilitator of the peace process. We believe that strong international support, possibly including that of the UN, for a peace settlement in Sri Lanka would be essential. This would need to be considered carefully by UN member states should these circumstances occur.