§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking in response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. [68099]
§ Clare ShortWe have continued to be a key donor to the 1998 crisis. The World Food Programme currently holds enough stocks until the end of March. We have pressed the UN system to increase efficiency and effectiveness by producing an appeal for 1999 which is realistic and focused on humanitarian priorities and which makes full use of all delivery methods. The UN 1999 Consolidated Appeal was issued last week and we will 437W discuss it with other multilateral and bilateral donors at a meeting of the Operation Lifeline Sudan International Advisory Committee on 12 February.
We continue to press all parties to the civil war in Sudan to come to a negotiated settlement. Peace is the only long-term solution to the humanitarian crisis.