Mr. Speaker, Canada remains concerned with the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka which has recently suffered some of the worst violence in years. We commend the parties for attending peace talks in Geneva this past weekend. We urge the parties to build on this opportunity and to commit to a further round of talks soon.
Canada calls on the LTTE to renounce terrorism and violence. It must demonstrate that it is willing to make compromises necessary for a political solution within a united Sri Lanka.
We also call on the democratically elected government of Sri Lanka to continue its efforts to resolve the current impasse and create the conditions for talks to continue. This includes addressing the credible allegations of serious human rights abuses directed against its security forces.
Canada continues to believe there can be no military solution to this lengthy conflict. We urge the parties to work toward a negotiated settlement which satisfies the legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankans.