[holding answer 25 March 2008]: We have made clear to the UN and African Union (AU) envoys, most recently at the international meeting they hosted in Geneva on 18 March, that we believe civil society and Arab engagement in the political process are essential for an inclusive process and a sustainable settlement.
The UK has filled five key posts in the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation, which will be the main mechanism for civil society engagement in the political process and in longer-term reconciliation and rehabilitation in Darfur. We have also committed £1 million to support the AU and UN Joint Mediation Support Team, which is currently focused on encouraging rebel movements to unify further and agree on common platforms ahead of negotiations with the Government of Sudan.