HC Deb 04 November 2003 vol 412 cc551-2W
Mr. Dawson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to(a) promote respect for human rights and justice among participants in the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development sponsored peace process in Sudan and (b) encourage the inclusion and participation in the peace process of hitherto excluded political parties and civil society groups. [136223]

Mr. Mullin

In their decision to end the civil war, the parties recognise that the principle of human rights must be at the core of any peace agreement. We have taker every opportunity to reiterate this message. Or 14 October the Government of Sudan released from house arrest Dr. Hassan al-Turabi, the leader of the Popular National Congress, as well as other politica prisoners. We welcome this step towards reconciliatior of all parties.

We are considering ways to strengthen civil society participation in consolidating peace and, with others to support the establishment of a Human Right Commission and other relevant institutions following peace agreement. We will also look at ways to support the development of an effective public administration and judicial system throughout Sudan.

Human Rights is at the forefront of our policy it helping Sudan reach a comprehensive peace agreement

Mr. Dawson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations hi: Department has made to the Government of Sudan since the end of the temporary ceasefire on finding t political solution to the conflict in Darfur. [136225]

Mr. Mullin

Our Embassy in Khartoum continues to focus on the issue of Darfur and is following closely both the humanitarian situation and the political dialogue at the Abeche peace talks.

We believe that the Abeche Agreement did not stipulate an end to the cease-fire and we call on both parties to respect that agreement. Our Ambassador to Sudan has spoken to the Government of Sudan on a number of occasions, and continues to do so, about the need for a process of political engagement.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Sudan on the house detention of Dr. Hassan al-Turabi. [136492]

Mr. Mullin

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to him on 23 October 2003,Official Report, column 713W. Dr. Hassan al-Turabi, and other political prisoners, were released on 13 October 2003.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the security agreement signed between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement; and what assessment he has made of the prospects for long-lasting peace in Sudan. [136494]

Mr. Mullin

I refer my hon. Friend to the joint press statement made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and my noble Friend the then Secretary of State for International Development (Baroness Amos) on 25 September in which they welcomed the Framework Agreement on Security Arrangements during the Interim Period. A copy of the statement is available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk/policy/news/press-releases. We believe that this is a reflection of the commitment of both Parties and an important step towards peace.

We are encouraged by the progress made so far and are optimistic for the prospects of peace in the long term.

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