To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in the multi-party Sudan People's Initiative since its announcement in July 2008; and what discussions officials in his Department have had with the government of Sudan regarding this initiative. (232093)

The Sudan People’s Initiative (SPI) on Darfur was launched in Khartoum on 16 October 2008 and followed with further discussions in Kenana on 18 October. Officials from our embassy in Khartoum attended these events and continue to discuss the ongoing process with all the parties. Michael O’Neill, UK Special Representative for Sudan, discussed the prospects for the initiative in Khartoum on 20 October. We welcome all constructive initiatives towards peace in Darfur under the overall leadership of the UN-African Union Chief Mediator for Darfur, Djibril Bassolé.