HC Deb 27 October 1998 vol 318 cc136-7
2. Rev. Martin Smyth (Belfast, South)

What progress has been made towards a permanent peaceful settlement in Sudan. [54286]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Derek Fatchett)

The UK has long supported the Intergovernmental Authority on Development peace process as the best chance to bring an end to the civil war in Sudan through a negotiated settlement. With a mandate from the IGAD partners forum, I visited Nairobi and Khartoum from 13 to 16 July to discuss the possibilities of securing a break in the fighting in the areas most affected by the humanitarian crisis.

Subsequently, the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Army announced a three-month ceasefire in Bahr al Ghazal. Following further discussions on 9 and 12 October respectively, the SPLA and the Government of Sudan agreed to extend the ceasefire in Bahr al Ghazal by a further three months. We shall continue to be active in trying to find a long-term solution to the conflict.

Rev. Martin Smyth

I welcome the Minister's response. He will be aware that, today, the aid organisations warned us that we might have a greater catastrophe than in Kosovo if something did not happen shortly to help people in Sudan. Is there any more recent information that would enable the Foreign Office to confirm the claims of the American State Department, corroborated by the Ministry of Defence, that the factory in Khartoum was a chemical factory—or does the Minister agree that the bombing of that factory may not have helped to advance the peace process in Sudan?

Mr. Fatchett

I very much respect the hon. Gentleman's interest in the issue of Sudan. He is right to say that the only way to deal with the long-term humanitarian problem is to achieve a political solution. That is one reason why I took a more active interest in the matter in the summer of this year. I hope that the United Kingdom, with others, can continue to play a more active role.

On chemical weapons in Sudan, the best way to verify the situation would be for Sudan to sign the chemical weapons convention.

Mr. Bill O'Brien (Normanton)

May I express my appreciation of the efforts that the Minister of State and the Secretary of State have made to bring about a settlement in Sudan? Our concerns are with the women and children in southern Sudan, who are suffering the most as a result of the conflict in their country; the recent bombing by America did not help the situation. However, will my hon. Friend assure the House that he will do all that he can to bring about a negotiated settlement to the problems in Sudan, so that we can be of more help to the people there who are suffering as a result of the conflict in their country?

Mr. Fatchett

Sadly, we are seeing a continuation of the civil war that has been going on for several decades. It is clear that the only way forward is to find a peaceful solution. There cannot be a military solution to the civil war in Sudan. We must encourage the parties to get to the negotiating table. That is why we support the IGAD process, and why the United Kingdom is keen to play any part we can to assist the negotiations and to help towards peace. As my hon. Friend says, that is the best way to give a long-term future to the people of Sudan, who have suffered too much and for too long.

Mr. Bowen Wells (Hertford and Stortford)

May I thank the Minister for the work that he has put into trying to find a solution to the civil war in Sudan? In view of the news that Sudan has resumed bombing in the south, and the fact that, other than at Bahr al Ghazal, the fighting has intensified in recent weeks, could he find a way to bring about the support of the United States and the United Nations for urgent action to prevent the continuation of the tragic starvation in that area?

Mr. Fatchett

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind comments about my role. It was important in July to look for a way to achieve a partial ceasefire. It is temporary and covers only part of Sudan, but, for the many thousands of people in that area, it gives slight relief and the possibility of a longer life. We must extend those principles to the whole of Sudan and get the parties together. I hear what the hon. Gentleman says about the United States and the United Nations. The entire international community has neglected Sudan for too long and we have a responsibility to do what we can.