§ John BarrettTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what steps he is taking to encourage a free press in Sudan. [127938]
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§ Hilary BennWe have regularly raised press freedom with the Government of Sudan bilaterally and through the EU-Sudan Political Dialogue, including at its most recent meeting on 21 July when EU Heads of Mission raised the closure of newspapers and restrictions on reporting. On 9 August President Beshir announced the complete lifting of press censorship. Our Embassy in Khartoum will monitor implementation of this arrangement. In 2003–04 DFID is funding a £9,570 training package for 60 selected young Sudanese journalists in modern journalist skills including editing, publishing and translation.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of the warning of the World Food Programme that food rations in Sudan may be cut by 50 per cent.due to a lack of funding. [127939]
§ Hilary BennWe remain concerned over World Food Programme reports that only 30 per cent. of their programmes are funded at present. We have provided two and a half million pounds so far this year and will consider further contributions as the need arises, in order that food is provided to vulnerable populations throughout Sudan.
We welcome the progress both the United Nations and World Food Programme have made in recent months to expand humanitarian access; after a gap of five years, the World Food Programme has recently completed a successful barge operation delivering 2000 MT of food to 500,000 people (some for the first time)—and at a considerable saving when compared to the costs of air travel.
We are also aware of the discussions between United States and Government of Sudan over the latter's change in policy regarding the import of genetically modified foods, and hope this can be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.