Sudan (Hansard, 8 June 1998)

§ Mr. Flynn
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to sponsor a resolution against Sudan in the UN Security Council as a result of the recent evidence of genocide in the northern area of Bahr Al Ghazal. [44829]

§ Mr. Fatchett
We are deeply concerned about the distressing human tragedy in the Sudan, particularly the current crisis in Bahr Al Ghazal region. On hearing of reports of killings in Northern Bahr Al Ghazal, I instructed our Embassy in Khartoum to convene a meeting of EU Ambassadors and arrange for collective EU views and comments. The Sudanese Ambassador was also called by the Foreign Office and asked for the GoS's explanation of what had taken place.
We will look at any proposals for new UNSCRs against the GoS on their merits and in light of the views of other Security Council members.

§ Mr. Flynn
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he plans to make to the Government of Sudan in respect of recent evidence of genocide in the northern area of Bahr Al Ghazal. [44828]

§ Mr. Fatchett
The Sudanese Ambassador was called on 29 May by a senior Foreign Office official. The official expressed our grave concern at the reports of killings in Northern Bahr Al Ghazal and asked for an explanation from the Government of Suden (GoS).
We will continue to be active in trying to find a solution to problems in the Sudan. As a next step, we have pressed for an early meeting of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development Partnership Forum. I shall represent the UK at a meeting in The Hague on 18 June.

§ Mr. Laurence Robertson
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of the Sudan in relation to the civil war in that country; and if he will make a statement. [44400]

§ Mr. Fatchett
The UK has long supported the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) peace process as the best chance to bring an end to the civil war in Sudan through a comprehensive negotiated settlement and this Government are active in promoting and reinvigorating the peace process.
As Presidency we issued an EU Declaration on 1 May which voiced European concerns and called upon all parties to implement an immediate cease-fire. It also urged parties to make every effort to come to a comprehensive negotiated settlement. At the UK's instigation, Sudan was discussed at the United Nations Security Council on 5 May and we have lobbied countries in the region, including the Government in Khartoum, to facilitate a negotiated settlement. In order to maintain the 461W momentum of the peace process, we pressed for an early meeting of the IGAD Partnership Forum, as a result of which the Netherlands will host a meeting on 17/18 June in The Hague. I will represent the UK. The Sudanese Government and Opposition are well aware of our views and my officials are in touch with all parties.