We remain committed to both the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and Darfur Peace Process. We welcomed the initial agreement between the Government of Sudan and the justice and equality movement signed in Doha on 17 February 2009, and encouraged UN/African Union mediator Bassole and Qatar to continue efforts. We urge implementation of the initial agreement, talks on a cessation of hostilities and a lasting settlement, and the engagement also of other Darfur leaders.
Full implementation of CPA is essential for lasting peace throughout Sudan and we will continue to work with the governments in Khartoum and Juba for that.
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made a statement on 4 March 2009 in which he strongly urged all parties in Sudan to avoid escalation, maintain order and protect embassies, international personnel and humanitarian workers, and above all the Sudanese civilians who have already suffered so much.
The statement is available for viewing at:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/newsroom/latest-news/?view=Press S&id=14479209
[holding answer 13 March 2009]: Our Ambassador has urged the Government of Sudan to allow non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to continue their work. The EU issued a statement on 10 March 2009 calling upon the Government of Sudan to urgently reconsider their decision, and ensure that humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in Sudan be continuously guaranteed. European foreign Ministers discussed the situation again on 16 March 2009 and reiterated this message. We have, through official and ministerial level contacts, urged, China, Russia, and Sudan’s African and Arab neighbours to press the Government of Sudan to reverse their decision.
To date, there has been no indication that the Government of Sudan will reverse their decision and allow the 13 NGOs to remain in Sudan.