I propose to take Questions Nos. 323 and 330 together.
The Government continues to be gravely concerned about the crisis in Darfur and its broader ramifications for Sudan as a whole and the region. We are pursuing all avenues to support international efforts to address the grave humanitarian, political and security challenges confronting Sudan.
Recent weeks have seen an upsurge in violence in Darfur in advance of the start of UN and African Union-mediated peace talks between the Government of Sudan and rebel factions in Sirte, Libya on 27 October. Ten members of the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) were killed, reportedly by rebel factions, in Haskanita, Southern Sudan at the end of September following which the town was subsequently burnt down by Government forces. Government forces, alongside militia groups, have also been implicated in a major attack on the town of Muhajiriya on 8 October. These incidents have resulted in many dozens of civilian deaths and significant displacement. The overall operating environment for UN agencies and NGOs is becoming steadily more difficult and has resulted, in some cases, in the withdrawal of humanitarian personnel.
The deteriorating humanitarian and security situation and the related urgent need for full, rapid and successful deployment of the joint UN-AU Mission, UNAMID, to succeed AMIS, were points which I emphasised when I met with the then Sudanese Foreign Minister, Lam Akol, in New York on 2 October. I particularly urged on the Foreign Minister the need for Sudan to cooperate fully with the UN and AU on deployment of UNAMID and to cease all offensive operations in Darfur. I also informed Foreign Minister Akol and UNSG Ban, with whom I separately discussed the situation in Sudan/Darfur, of the Government's decision in principle to contribute personnel to the planned ESDP mission in Chad and the Central African Republic which will assist the many thousands of people in these countries displaced by the Darfur crisis.
Ireland continues to make a strong contribution to international efforts to alleviate the human tragedy of Darfur. Since the start of 2006, Irish Aid has provided a total of approximately €32.5 million to support humanitarian operations and longer term development engagement in Sudan. The importance of ensuring humanitarian access and the necessity to consider possible further measures against those impeding such access, as well as the need for improved security, or political progress in Darfur were points which I also made when addressing the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 15 October and which were reflected at Ireland's request in the agreed Conclusions.
Ultimately, the resolution of the Darfur crisis requires a political settlement. I would urge all parties to the conflict to engage constructively in the forthcoming peace talks in Sirte and to be aware that the international community will not hesitate to take further measures against those who turn their face against, and refuse to participate in, this vital opportunity for peace. The UN and AU Envoys are to be commended for their efforts in organising the Sirte talks. I indicated when I met UNSG Ban and addressed the General Assembly on 2 October that Ireland intends to contribute to the Trust Fund which the SG has established in support of the current peace process.
The prospects for political progress in Darfur are not being assisted by the difficulties now besetting implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the north and south in Sudan and which has led to the withdrawal from participation in the national unity government by the southern SPLM party. The CPA represents a template for promoting peace and development throughout Sudan and its full implementation remains crucial. Discussions are continuing between the SPLM and the NCP, the two coalition parties, to resolve the current impasse.
It remains my intention, subject to security considerations, to travel to Sudan and Darfur next month in order to review the situation on the ground and reiterate the priority Ireland attaches to advancing peace and development in this tragic region.