HL Deb 14 October 1997 vol 582 cc182-3WA
Lord McNair

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What practical steps they have taken (a) to support and (b) to encourage the implementation of the April 1997 General Peace Agreement signed between the Government of Sudan and six rebel factions in Sudan.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We are in regular contact with all parties to the conflict and continue to stress the need to resolve the civil war through a comprehensive negotiated settlement. We note that the 21 April Peace Agreement contains positive elements, notably the provisions on respect for human rights and self-determination for the south, but that the main opposition groups fighting the government are not party to the agreement. We have also welcomed the news that the Sudanese Government have accepted the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development's Declaration of Principles as the basis for talks with the SPLA and look forward to early negotiations. We fully support IGAD's efforts to bring peace to Sudan and are ready to consider any way to help that process.

Lord McNair

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they have taken to discourage the external military escalation of the Sudanese conflict.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

We welcome efforts by the OAU and regional states to resolve the conflict in Sudan through dialogue. With our European partners, we have encouraged regional leaders, particularly President Moi, who currently chairs the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to pursue these efforts.