§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they and the other mediators are taking to strengthen the arrangements for monitoring and securing the current ceasefire in the Sudan, following recent violations. [HL4369]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe UK has already contributed 500,000 US dollars, a UK senior liaison officer and two monitors to the Verification Monitoring Team (VMT). On 10 September other international donors pledged to contribute additional funding and personnel. The British Peace Support Team in Kenya has trained personnel appointed to the VMT by the Government of Sudan, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and Inter-Governmental Authority on Redevelopment countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea. The VMT has looked at the 81 allegations of violations of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Cessation of Hostilities. These have been prioritised and investigations have begun.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will seek the holding of thorough consultations with the people in all regions on the future constitution of the Sudan; and if so, whether they and their co-mediators would be willing to facilitate the consultations, if requested. [HL4370]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe Machakos Protocol signed by the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement on 20 July 2002 provides for a constitutional framework, incorporating the peace agreement, to be drafted during the six month pre-interim period (immediately following peace agreement) by a representative 29WA constitutional review commission. The precise terms of reference and composition of this commission have not yet been agreed but we would expect it to be representative of all regions of Sudan. We would be willing to facilitate its work, and other aspects of implementation of a peace agreement if asked.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to the opposition by the Sudan Ecumenical Forum to the imposition of a quick-fix solution to the future of the Sudan. [HL4371]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThere is no question of an imposed solution. Our aim is to help the Sudanese themselves to reach a just and lasting peace, which addresses the root causes of their civil war. To this end we are working closely with the Inter-Governmental Authority on Redevelopment (IGAD) mediators and other partners.