Written question asked by Caroline Spelman (Conservative) on Monday, 21 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 October 2002. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Monday, 28 October 2002 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make a statement on the peace process in Sudan and the assistance provided by the British Government to that process. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the peace process in Sudan and the assistance provided by the British Government to that process. [76900] Clare Short: The Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army parties resumed the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) talks on 14 October. The parties have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding on a cessation of hostilities for the duration of the talks. This was implemented on 17 October. We warmly welcome these developments. The cessation of hostilities will improve the atmosphere for the negotiations and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. We urge the parties to seize this opportunity and shall continue to provide our full support as they work for a just and lasting peace. We have provided, and continue to provide, political and financial support to the Sudanese peace negotiations being mediated by the regional IGAD envoys in Kenya. We will continue to attend the talks as an observer and offer support and advice as necessary. To date we have provided personnel and £101,119 and US$25,000 in financial support to the IGAD secretariat.

Secondary information