Mr A C Shanthan
Secretary, International Federation of Tamils
17 Birchview Close Yately Camberly
Surrey GU17 7DL
Thank you for your letter of 24 July to the Prime Minister. I have been asked to reply on his behalf.
I have read your analysis of the background to the conflict in Sri Lanka carefully. It is tragic that the fighting continues after so long. It is clearly the people of the North and East who are hardest hit. Their conditions are undoubtedly difficult
The British Government's policy is quite clear. We, along with our European partners, believe the only way to achieve a lasting peace in Sri Lanka is through a negotiated, political settlement reached by all parties to the conflict. We have long urged this course of action as the only way forward to a lasting solution which recognises the rights of all the peoples of Sri Lanka.
You will be aware that we have regularly said that our good offices are available to help talks start. Unfortunately negotiations are no closer.
R.J.Potter
South Asian Department
