§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What reports they have received concerning arms purchases by the Government of Sudan as a result of income from oil derived from the southern provinces; and whether they will discuss these reports within the European Union, the Inter-Government Authority on Development, and more widely. [HL414]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalOil was first exported from the Sudan in August of this year. We are not aware of any arms purchases being made with the income from this business.
We keep in regular touch with the EU, IGAD and others on the situation in the Sudan, including on the impact of oil. We are making the case strongly, including in Khartoum, that revenues should be used for development projects and that there should be transparency in accounting for expenditure. We note that certain public assurances have been given to that effect, and look to the Government of Sudan to implement them.
We expect the EU arms embargo to remain as long as the war in Sudan continues.