Nora Owen
Ceist:50 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Sudan. [8295/00]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
The lack of political progress towards a lasting peace and the tragic humanitarian situation in Sudan are a source of deep concern to the Government. Together with our EU partners and other members of the international community, we have called on the parties to the conflict to proceed to a permanent and comprehensive humanitarian ceasefire and to resume the political talks process at an early date. As an active member of the IGAD – Intergovernmental Authority on Development – Partners' Forum, the Government fully supports and encourages the efforts to bring about progress in the peace talks, and reaffirms the importance of a constructive dialogue aimed at stability and co-operation in the country itself, as well as in the wider region.
With our EU partners, we have welcomed the recent steps towards normalisation of bilateral relations between Sudan and its neighbouring states, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Uganda, and look forward to further steps to enhance the prospects of peace, stability and co-operation in the region. In November 1999, the EU renewed its dialogue with the Government of Sudan. With our EU partners, we are monitoring closely progress in the national reconciliation process and internal developments, including the issue of self-determination for the people of the south, and the effects of the state of emergency declared by the Government of Sudan.
The Government has been consistent in its support of the people of Sudan over recent years and in parallel to its efforts to break the current political impasse, it continues to provide emergency humanitarian relief for the suffering people of southern Sudan. In 1999, Ireland contributed more than Ir£1million in emergency and rehabilitation assistance. Overall emergency assistance from the Government to Sudan amounts to Ir£358,000 so far this year.
We remain deeply concerned at the constraints imposed by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Association (SPLM/SRRA) on international NGOs carrying out humanitarian work in southern Sudan. Earlier this month, together with our EU partners, we urged the SPLM-SRRA to resume negotiations with the NGOs as soon as possible to allow vital humanitarian operations to continue unhindered in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Ireland will continue to respond on a humanitarian and political level in concert with other like-minded countries. We fully recognise that humanitarian assistance cannot be a substitute for a meaningful and inclusive political solution. Such a solution will require full observance of the principles of democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law throughout Sudan regardless of ethnicity, gender or religion.