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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the main points were of the ceasefire agreement of 15 October 2002 between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army; what assessment his Department has made of the Sudanese bombings in Darfur on 2 November and their impact on the on-going negotiations in that region; and if he will make a statement. [136905] Mr. Mullin: The main points of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cessation of Hostilities signed on 15 October 2002 in Kenya between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) are as follows: the parties agree to create and maintain a conducive atmosphere throughout the negotiations; to cease hostilities in all areas and ensure military stand down for all forces; to freeze media wars and allow unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas. The negotiations between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) in Chad, with the Chadian Government as mediators, are separate. We are aware of reports that the Government of Sudan have resumed military activities close to Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) areas. The Government of Sudan has stated that it had bombed areas controlled by other militias who rejected the cease-fire. We are seeking corroboration of the reports including by visits by members of our embassy to the area. The parties have now signed a joint communique« resolving to meet in one month to discuss the political and wealth sharing annexes of the draft agreement. There has also been agreement on humanitarian access. We view these as positive steps.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

136905; 413 c660-1W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Bombings Sudan Peace negotiations Darfur Ceasefires

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk