Written question asked by John Barrett (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 3 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 November 2003. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 2003 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 progress of the peace process between the Government of Sudan and the Darfur rebel group.

Answer: John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the peace process between the Government of Sudan and the Darfur rebel group. [136764] Mr. Mullin: There has been a joint communique« by the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) agreeing to return to Abeche in one month to discuss the political and wealth sharing annexes. The parties have also reached agreement on humanitarian access, which will be under the supervision of the Humanitarian Aid Commission, with the Tri-Partite Committee (GoS, Government of Chad and the SLM) being informed of developments. We are not directly involved in the Abeche talks and it is difficult at this stage to make an assessment of progress. There have been allegations that the GoS have resumed military activities near SLM areas, and some indication that the SLM are disappointed that some of their proposals have been rejected. However, we remain hopeful that both parties will adhere to the terms of the communique« and resume the talks on time.

Secondary information