§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will seek the approval of the United Nations Security Council for a mandatory arms embargo on Sudan. [HL1437]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe situation in Darfur requires urgent action. A ceasefire is needed, preferably with international monitoring, to permit humanitarian access to all those in need. We think it unlikely that a mandatory arms embargo through the UN Security Council would help the situation in Darfur within this timeframe. However, an EU arms embargo is in place which we implement rigorously.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to the declaration on 9 February of an amnesty and an end to military operations in Darfur, Sudan; and whether they have evidence that it is resulting in a ceasefire and the return of displaced people. [HL1473]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe were pleased that President Bashir's statement of 9 February acknowledged the need to open corridors for the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Darfur.
However, fighting continues and, despite the enormous needs, humanitarian access remains very limited. The EU issued a statement on 25 February expressing serious concern at the situation in Darfur, calling for unhindered humanitarian access, and urging all parties to the conflict to agree to an immediate ceasefire, to allow peace talks to resume.