To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether (a) he and (b) his officials have met representatives of the Governments of (i) India, (ii) Iran, (iii) China, (iv) Pakistan, (v) Syria and (vi) Russia to discuss the conflict in Sri Lanka in the last three months; and if he will make a statement. (272924)

[holding answer 6 May 2009]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has had regular discussions with a range of international partners on the situation in Sri Lanka, including Indian Foreign Minister Mukherjee. Our officials have had discussions with international partners, including members of the UN Security Council.

The Foreign Secretary made an oral statement in the House on 30 April 2009, Official Report, columns 1048-50W, following his visit to Sri Lanka on 29 April 2009 to meet with the Sri Lankan Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Sri Lanka on the avoidance of civilian deaths among the Tamil population in the north of Sri Lanka. (273324)

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary visited Sri Lanka on 29 April 2009 with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, for talks with the Sri Lankan Government on the ongoing conflict and the grave humanitarian impact. In his discussions with President Rajapakse and Foreign Minister Bogollogama, the Foreign Secretary made clear that the protection of civilians must be paramount.

Following his visit, the Foreign Secretary gave an oral statement to the House on 30 April 2009, Official Report, columns 1048-1050.