Sudan: Oil

Lord Hylton
asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the link between the possible existence of oil in eastern Abyei, Sudan, and the recent conflict in that area; and whether they will support measures to reduce any conflict related to this issue. [HL4674]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Malloch-Brown)
Following fighting in Abyei in May, the National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement agreed on 8 June a road map to resolve the Abyei dispute including oil revenue sharing. Oil remains an underlying factor in tensions between the north and the south, especially in the border areas such as Abyei where most of the oilfields are located.

Under the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA), oil revenues are to be shared equally between the national Governments of north and south Sudan. The UK is working with the parties and with international partners to implement both the Abyei road map and the CPA, which are vital to lasting peace in Sudan.