§ Clare ShortTo ask the Prime Minister what action he is taking to(a) bring about an end to the killing of the black Muslim Sudanese of Darfur and (b) secure access for humanitarian assistance to relieve their suffering. [175840]
§ The Prime MinisterI am deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Darfur. Following the cease-fire agreement of 8 April between the Government of Sudan and the Darfur groups, we are calling on all parties to co-operate fully with the Africa Union-led ceasefire monitoring mission. We are also considering how we can contribute to this.
I wrote to the Sudanese President earlier this year emphasising the Government's concern at the situation in Darfur. We continue to hold discussions with the Sudanese Government on access for humanitarian assistance and my right hon. Friends the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for International Development raised the matter with the Sudanese Foreign Minister during his visit to London on 11 May. The Sudanese Foreign Minister has now announced new measures governing the issue of visas and travel permits to humanitarian workers wishing to travel to Darfur.
We hope that these measures will facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to a population in great need and will be closely monitoring their implementation. We have already committed £16.5 million in response to the crisis and are urging other partners to contribute as well.