To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to seek to ensure the complete implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan; what assistance the UK plans to provide in co-operation with other countries for elections and referendums in the next 18 months in Sudan; and if he will make a statement. (311851)

On 9 January my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister re-emphasised the UK's commitment to the complete implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. On 8 January 2010 I joined Troika colleagues to urge greater efforts in Sudan and from the international community. Both statements can be found at:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news

My noble Friend Baroness Kinnock visited Sudan from 11 to 13 January 2010 and emphasised the need for strong political leadership from all parties to ensure credible elections in April, agreeing the terms of the referendum in January 2011 and for work to start on post 2011 issues such as oil sharing, regardless of the outcome of the referendum. The UK will continue to press on these issues at every level.

The UK recently committed an additional £8 million to support elections in Sudan bringing our total contribution so far to £12.5 million. This assistance will help with technical preparations, civic and voter education and conflict management. We are also pressing the European Commission to deploy an election observation mission to Sudan ahead of the elections.