WRITTEN QUESTION E-2409/02

by Bob van den Bos (ELDR) to the Council

(7 August 2002)

Subject: Sudan

On 20 July 2002, an agreement of principle designed to lead to a cessation of hostilities was concluded in Kenya between the Sudan Government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA). This will put an end to the civil war which has been raging for 19 years and which has cost the lives of some two million people.

What is the Council's assessment of the agreement of principle?

What implications does the agreement have for relations between the European Union and Sudan?

Will the arrangements for EU assistance to Sudan be strengthened thereby? If so, how?

Reply

(6 February 2003)

The European Union welcomed the agreement reached between the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the SPLM/A in Machakos (Kenya) on 20 July 2002 on the most contentious issues, namely the right of self-determination for the people of South Sudan as well as the question of state and religion. The EU urged both parties to the conflict in Sudan to adhere to the agreement and to continue negotiations with a view to accomplishing a comprehensive peace agreement. It acknowledged the crucial role external partners played in making the result come through and confirmed its strong support in particular for the IGAD process and Kenya's facilitative role therein (Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the EU published on 23 July).

Despite the resumption of peace negotiations on 12 August a number of military actions continued in the southern part of Sudan and when SPLM/A forces seized the strategic town of Torit on 1 September government negotiators suspended talks on 2 September and were called back to Khartoum. In reaction to this event, the Presidency, on behalf of the EU, issued a further declaration on 5 September expressing deep concern over the suspension of the Machakos peace negotiations. The EU, in full support of international efforts to bring both parties back to the negotiation table, underlined the consequences of a complete breakdown in the peace process and the costs in terms of further human loss, economic standstill and stunted development.

The Machakos peace talks between the GoS and the SPLM resumed on 14 November 2002. However, despite the fact that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on the cessation of hostilities on 15 October 2002, hostilities have broken out again in East Sudan, although that has not prevented the negotiations from continuing.

In a declaration on 6 November 2002 on unimpeded access for humanitarian aid in Sudan, on behalf of the European Union the Presidency welcomed the signing of that memorandum, which commits both parties to providing unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to all areas and to all people in need. It has continued to give its unreserved support to the IGAD peace process and applauded the critical role played by Kenya in that process.

The Union considers that the humanitarian situation in Sudan remains dire, especially in areas that have long been denied humanitarian aid. As the donor community stands ready to support the United Nations and its partners in ensuring the provision of unhindered access for humanitarian aid throughout Sudan, including carrying out needs and security assessments, it has underscored the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all humanitarian workers as humanitarian programmes are expanded throughout Sudan.