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, if he will make a statement on the Government's approach to peace in the Sudan, with particular reference to democratic consent in the south of the country.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's approach to peace in the Sudan, with particular reference to democratic consent in the south of the country. [19725] Mr. Bradshaw: The search for peace remains the focus of our policy towards Sudan. We continue to support the IGAD peace process, and, accordingly, the Inter- Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Declaration of Principles, which includes the right of self-determination for southerners. We continue to promote democratic transformation. We regularly urge the Government of Sudan and other authorities to improve freedom of political association and assembly, and to remove legislation and end practices limiting other popular freedoms. This is also a core focus of the EU-Sudan dialogue, which the UK is currently chairing as local EU Presidency.

Secondary information