Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 30 November 2001. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Friday, 30 November 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Government of Sudan on the (a) creation and (b) restoration of churches in the north of the country.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Sudan on the (a) creation and (b) restoration of churches in the north of the country. [19722] Mr. Bradshaw: We regularly discuss issues relating to religious freedom with the Sudanese Government both bilaterally and through the EU. EU Heads of Mission in Khartoum held a meeting on 5 November with the Sudanese Minister for Religious Affairs to discuss religious freedom. Our Ambassador chaired the meeting in his capacity as local EU Presidency. They specifically raised concerns about impediments to church-building.

Secondary information