Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 November 2005.

Sudan: Darfur

Question: What representations they are making during the United Kingdom presidency of the European Union to the government of Sudan to allow Canadian technicians to deliver the 105 Grizzly armoured personnel carriers donated by Canada to the African Union Mission in Sudan, and to train African Union personnel in the use of the vehicles.

Answer: I raised the issue of delivery of the 105 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) donated by Canada to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) with the Sudanese Government during the EU Troika visit to Sudan on 8 October 2005. UK officials have also raised this matter with the government of Sudan in a number of other forums.At the meeting of the Joint Cease Fire Commission between the international community, AMIS and the parties to the conflict in Darfur, the Sudanese Government stated that they will give permission for the African Union to deploy the APCs it thinks it will need on the ground. The government of Sudan will be holding a meeting with the AU and Canada to resolve the remaining issues in the near future. We continue to press the government of Sudan to ensure that no other bureaucratic obstacles delay the swift delivery of these vehicles.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1986; 675 c85-6WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Deployment Canada Armoured fighting vehicles Peacekeeping operations Training Sudan African Union Darfur
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk