§ Mr. FraserTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Southern Sudan. [99958]
§ Mr. HainWe continue to be deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in the Sudan. While our immediate priority is to provide humanitarian assistance, the long-term answer is peace.
We have long supported the Inter-Governmental Authority on development (IGAD) peace process as the negotiating body most likely to bring about a negotiated and sustainable peace settlement. Recently, as an active member of the IGAD Partners Forum (IPF), we extended our commitment, pledging political and financial support to a permanent secretariat with full-time Special Envoy. This should allow for a sustained and accelerated negotiation to take place.
After an absence of 11 months, we now have full diplomatic representation in Khartoum. We are therefore in a better position to support the cause of peace in the Sudan.