§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the current position regarding the suspension of African Union monitoring flights in Darfur, Sudan, following an attack on one of its helicopters. [HL553]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanContrary to media reports, the African Union (AU) did not suspend activities in Darfur following an attack on one of its helicopters on 19 December. There were no casualties in the attack and the AU immediately began an investigation into the incident. The AU continues to conduct its duties in Darfur as normal.
We strongly condemn any attacks on peace observers and urge the parties to abide by the humanitarian and security protocols they signed in Abuja on 9 November.
§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the current position regarding the threat made by European Union and African Union ambassadors to abandon the Abuja peace talks on Darfur, Sudan. [HL554]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanDuring the last Abuja round (10–21 December) the African Union mediation, with the support of the international observers, made clear that talks could not progress to political issues while military offensives continued.
88WAThe round closed with an agreement by both sides to cease military activity and withdraw to positions to be agreed with the African Union.
The next round of talks is due to commence in the coming weeks.