UK-Sudan Relations

HC Deb 19 March 2002 vol 382 cc196-7W

Richard Burden

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on UK-Sudan relations. [39551]

Mr. MacShane

We have a full bilateral relationship with Sudan. Our focus there remains the search for peace and, in this respect, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary recently announced the appointment of Alan Goulty as the UK Special Representative for Sudan. Mr. Goulty will continue our policy of engagement with all parties to the conflict in an attempt to bring an end to the suffering caused by so many years of war. We continue to support the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) peace process, and, accordingly, the IGAD Declaration of Principles, which includes the right of self-determination for southerners. We also continue to promote democracy and human rights in Sudan.