Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he envisages a role for Ireland in assisting in conflict resolution in Sri Lanka in relation to the civil rights and identity of the Tamil population in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8625/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to the answer given to PQ 29768/07 on 27th November 2007, in which I outlined my views on the potential for Irish engagement in conflict resolution activities in Sri Lanka. The Government would of course be willing to offer advice if sought by relevant parties but there remains little scope to do so in the prevailing situation there.

I remain deeply concerned about the developing situation in Sri Lanka and again unreservedly condemn the recent terrorist bombings and attacks in that country. I very much regret that the ceasefire agreement concluded between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) in February 2002 has been terminated. This can have only negative repercussions for Sri Lanka and its people, including for the already serious humanitarian and human rights situation in that country. Both the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka must recognise that a sustainable solution to the problems Sri Lanka faces cannot be achieved by military means and that they need to immediately resume meaningful negotiations for a peaceful future for the people of Sri Lanka.

Any final political solution can only be achieved in an inclusive manner, with the involvement of parties to the conflict, including the LTTE.

The EU, and Ireland nationally, remain ready to support a meaningful peace process in Sri Lanka, and to provide assistance in any manner acceptable to both sides of the conflict, and in support of the Norwegian facilitator.