Written question asked by Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 26 March 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 March 2008. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Monday, 21 April 2008 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government of Sudan has placed any obstacles in the way of the deployment of helicopters by UNAMID; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: We understand the Government of Sudan has declared it will not object to any country providing helicopters for the UN-African Union (AU) Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). The Government of Sudan signed a Status of Forces Agreement with the AU and the UN on 9 February 2008, which should remove a number of related obstacles to UNAMID deployment, including movement of equipment and visas for UNAMID personnel. The UN, AU and the Government of Sudan continue to negotiate over limitations on UNAMID flights. We have, in regular contacts with the Government of Sudan, pressed the Government of Sudan to co-operate fully with the AU and the UN over UNAMID and remove limitations on flights.

Secondary information