§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received from Southern Sudan regarding the activities of the Arab militia. [95239]
§ Mr. HainWe continue to receive reports from UN agencies and other NGOs working in the field of military activity conducted by a variety of militia groups in southern Sudan.
During October, both the Government of Sudan and the SPLA made further ceasefire commitments. We shall continue to promote the cause of peace in Sudan.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made with peace talks to end the civil war in Sudan. [95238]
§ Mr. HainThe Government have continued to devote considerable effort to the peace process in the Sudan and has been an active member of the IGAD Partners Forum (IPF). On 20 October, the IPF agreed on the terms of reference and budget for their proposal for a permanent peace Secretariat in Nairobi. This will have as its objective a sustained and accelerated negotiation and a Special Envoy has already been appointed. We will contribute financially to the running of the Secretariat and will remain in close contact with the Special Envoy and all the parties in order to support the peace process in any way we can. I met the special envoy two weeks ago in Nairobi to discuss progress.
738W
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received from Southern Sudan regarding progress with the oil pipeline due to be operational in July. [95240]
§ Mr. HainThe oil pipeline was formally opened on 30 August by President Bashir. On 19 September, an explosion east of Atbara damaged the pipeline but I understand that it was quickly repaired.