§ Mr. BestTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the UK's relationship with Sudan. [132243]
§ Mr. MullinThe UK has full diplomatic relations with Sudan. Through our Embassy in Sudan we are also in close touch with non-governmental groups from the north and south of the country. The UK Government pursues political, cultural, human rights and development issues. In 2002–03 we committed around £15 million to support 339W both humanitarian work and the peace process. Peace is crucial to the future development of Sudan and regional stability. The UK plays an active role in the peace process, including through the UK Special Representative for Sudan and the Sudan Unit, jointly staffed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development.
§ Mr. BestTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Sudanese Government about human rights abuses in Sudan. [132244]
§ Mr. MullinWe monitor the human rights situation in Sudan closely. The Embassy regularly lobbies the Government of Sudan on human rights issues. In September, the Head of the FCO's Human Rights Policy Department visited Sudan to meet government officials, representatives of non-governmental organisations, academics and others, including political prisoners. We will maintain pressure on the Government of Sudan to improve its record and will continue to raise human rights violations at every opportunity both bilaterally and as part of the EU/Sudan dialogue.