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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 3

Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.

John Bruton

Question:

34 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the aerial bombing campaign being waged by the Government of Sudan against Sudanese civilians and aid agencies in southern Sudan; if he has taken any steps in international fora or at EU level to highlight this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20339/00]

John Bruton

Question:

82 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government's attention has been drawn to the aerial bombing campaign being waged by the Government of Sudan against Sudanese civilians and aid agencies in southern Sudan; if the Government has taken any steps in international fora or at EU level to highlight this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20370/00]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 82 together.

I am aware of the aerial bombing campaign by the Government of Sudan against Sudanese civilians and aid agencies in the south of that country and the suspension by the UN of relief flights into the area this summer. The Government made its concerns clear at the time, and in particular at the bombings close to a large UN base at Mapel on 7 and 8 August.

Together with our EU partners, we have welcomed the Sudanese security guarantees which allowed flights for Operation Lifeline Sudan, OLS, to resume and we hope that the Government of Sudan will scrupulously honour its undertakings to the UN. We have appealed to the warring parties to comply with the principles of international humanitarian law, particularly those relating to the safety of UN personnel, as laid down in the convention of 9 December 1994 and to free access for NGOs to civilian populations in distress.

The Government will continue to stress the need for a permanent ceasefire in the ongoing civil war in southern Sudan and as an active member of the inter-governmental authority on development partners' forum, we will fully support and encourage efforts to bring about progress in the peace talks, and to reaffirm the importance of a constructive dialogue aimed at stability and co-operation in the country itself, as well as in the wider region.

We will continue to raise our concerns and to offer our support for a long-term peaceful solution in our contacts with the Government of Sudan and other governments in the region.

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