§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what initiatives she is assessing to aid relief efforts in Southern Sudan. [57795]
§ Clare ShortSince the current crisis in Southern Sudan began last February we have committed over £28 million bilaterally to provide humanitarian relief to the most vulnerable areas. We are working with Operation Lifeline Sudan and its partners to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and impartiality of the relief operation. But a just peace in Sudan is the only long term solution to the problems in the south. We continue to work with Inter governmental Authority on Development and urge all parties to the fighting to agree an immediate full cease-fire and to approach peace talks in a positive and constructive manner.