§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress they have made in their diplomatic relations with Sudan in the last 12 months; and whether as a result the prospects of a peaceful settlement with the south have improved. [HL832]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe now have a fully operational embassy in Khartoum; British staff returned to the embassy in July and the ambassador was appointed in October. One of their key objectives has been to promote a peaceful settlement in the Sudan and, as a result of their presence, we are now in a better position to assist in the quest for a negotiated settlement.