WRITTEN QUESTION E-3242/00

by Ioannis Souladakis (PSE) to the Commission

(20 October 2000)

Subject: Civil war in Sudan

The long-running civil war raging in Sudan has taken on a more international dimension as, in addition to the Sudanese Government and the revolutionaries, multinational companies and foreign governments have become involved. The objective of all those involved is the territory with abundant oil deposits located in the southern region of the country. To date the UN's policy on the war in Sudan has not helped to bring about peace but has contributed to maintaining the violence and tension. During the cold war period the UN supported the Sudanese Government, while after the end of the cold war and because of the growing Islamic movement, it has supported the revolutionaries, who are mainly situated in the southern region of the country.

Recently, diplomatic signals have been observed from the UN with regard to a policy being applied which will put an end to the bloody conflicts caused by the oil deposits. This policy will be based on the model of the peace process being attempted in Sierra Leone, linked to the embargo on diamonds from that country. Certain elements in Washington are expressing the wish that European Union countries should collaborate in this initiative.

In view of the above, and given the danger that the fighting will spread on a larger geographical scale within the African continent, and given the constantly increasing importance of oil for the economies of the EU countries, is the Commission aware of Washington's actions on this issue and what initiatives does it intend to take to encourage a gradual peace process in Sudan, with the aim of a conclusive end to the civil war?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(12 December 2000)

The Commission follows closely the political situation in the Sudan and in particular the civil war between the Sudanese government in Khartoum and southern rebel groups, the most important of which is the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement. After 17 years of civil war it can be safely stated that there is no military solution. The conflict has clear ethnic and religious implications. Economic issues like sharing Sudan's oil wealth play an ever growing role.

Although it has been impossible to maintain a normal level of cooperation with the Sudan due to the political situation, the Commission continues to be present in the country and to play a major role in the field of humanitarian assistance. More than 200 million have been made available for this purpose during the last ten years. At the same time, the Commission is participating in the renewed political dialogue between the Community and the government of the Sudan, which will soon come to the end of its first phase. Together with a number of Member States it is an active member of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Partners Forum (IPF) that supports IGAD's efforts to mediate in the Sudanese internal conflict.

The Commission strongly encourages the peace process, not only by providing political and moral support to IGAD but also in its direct relations with the conflicting partners. It subscribes to the call for an immediate cease-fire agreement under international supervision and to the demand for a stop to the provision of arms to either side. The Declaration of Principles, adopted by both parties in the North-South conflict, is considered the basis for a lasting peace, in particular as far as the right of self-determination is concerned. Together with Member States, the Commission has been cooperating with the United States on this matter. However, this has not always been successful given differences in the analysis of the process of change in Khartoum.