Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 November 2005.

Sudan: Darfur

Question: What investigations they have made or suggested during the United Kingdom presidency of the European Union into the sources of weapons and equipment used by the Janjaweed.

Answer: The UK carefully monitors the situation in Darfur. We have discussed the need to control the weapons held by the Arab militias with the government of Sudan.The EU already has a country-wide embargo against the whole of Sudan which we implement assiduously. We have not made or suggested any investigations but we have supported the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1591 of 29 March which imposes an arms embargo on Darfur, and provides for a travel ban and assets freeze against certain individuals. Under the terms of this resolution, the sanctions committee must provide approval for the government of Sudan to move any military equipment into Darfur. The panel of experts, established by UNSCR 1591, is investigating the implementation and effectiveness of this arms embargo, and will report to the Security Council at the beginning of December. Any individuals found to be violating the resolution, including by breaking the arms embargo, may be subjected to targeted sanctions by the committee. The UK is pressing for action on designation of individuals and on other measures which the Security Council could take such as widening the arms embargo to cover the whole country.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2325; 676 c26-8WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Arms control Arms trade EU action EU external trade UN resolutions Sanctions Sudan Darfur
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk