§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What response they, the United States and Norway are making to the Sudanese Government's ban on all flights over Equatoria; and what action they will take to ensure the continuance of the United Nations-led Operation Lifeline Sudan and the safety of relief workers throughout southern Sudan. [HL5877]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Amos)We were concerned by the Government of Sudan's flight ban over Equatoria and made high level representations in Khartoum and to the Sudanese Foreign Minister when he visited the United Kingdom at the end of September. We and others urged the Government of Sudan to give all possible help to the United Nations and non-governmental organisations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. We therefore welcomed the Government of Sudan's decision to lift the flight ban on 7 October. We continue to be concerned at the number of flight denials to specific locations. Along with our EU partners we are continuing to raise this issue with the Government of Sudan.