§ Lord McNairasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their assessment of, and what encouragement and support they are giving to, the Government of Sudan's declaration of a comprehensive ceasefire in southern Sudan. [HL2077]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe welcome the declaration by the Government of Sudan.
We will continue to encourage all parties to the conflict to agree to and to implement a comprehensive ceasefire. We will continue to encourage peace negotiations within the IGAD framework. It was disappointing that the latest round of IGAD talks was postponed by the Government of Sudan and we very much hope that talks will take place soon.