HC Deb 29 June 1999 vol 334 cc117-8W
Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning the violation of ceasefire in February in Twic County, southern Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [88344]

Mr. Hoon

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: We received a number of reports from NGOs of raiders making attacks in Twic County in February. These were taken up within the framework of Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS).

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of Sudan's treatment of(a) Christians, (b) Animists and (c) Muslims in relation to the UN Commission on Human Rights' Resolution 1999/5 on Sudan. [88342]

Mr. Hoon

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: The UN Commission on Human Rights resolution on Sudan this year expressed its deep concern at the continuing serious violations of human rights, fundamental freedoms and relevant provisions of international humanitarian law perpetrated by all parties to the conflict.

This was an EU sponsored consensus resolution. It has our full support.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the United Nations concerning the National Islamic Front's bombing of southern Sudan during Christian festivals. [88412]

Mr. Hoon

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: The EU sponsored consensus resolution at this year's United Nations Commission on Human Rights calls upon the Government of Sudan to stop immediately the indiscriminate aerial bombardment of civilian targets.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how Her Majesty's Government, in consultation with its IGAD partners, intends to monitor ceasefire declarations in Sudan. [88343]

Mr. Hoon

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: While there continues to be a limited ceasefire in Bahr el Ghazal, we continue to call for a comprehensive ceasefire throughout Sudan. The monitoring of such a ceasefire will need to be agreed within the context of the IGAD talks, the next round of which we hope to see start in Nairobi on 19 July.