§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the progress of the discussions between the Sudanese Government and rebel groups in the Kenyan town of Naivasha; what assessment he has made of the likelihood of significant progress in 2003; and if he will make a statement. [134718]
§ Mr. MullinWe are optimistic about the prospects for peace between the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). We assess that there is a good chance of agreement this year or early next year. The latest round of talks adjourned on 26 October for the month of Ramadan. There are outstanding problems which need to be resolved, on power and wealth sharing, the three conflict areas (of Southern Blue Nile, the Nuba Mountains and Abyei) and ceasefire and security issues. Discussion of these issues is expected to resume on 1 December. We are confident that, with the continued commitment of both parties, there will be no barriers to signing a peace deal. On 25 September, the parties signed a Framework Agreement on Security Arrangements during the Interim Period.
We continue to offer the parties and mediators our full support and advice and remain actively involved in helping them reach a comprehensive peace agreement.