Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the peace process in Sudan. [7150/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The north-south peace process in Sudan is at a critical juncture as the country prepares for national, parliamentary and presidential elections in April. The elections are envisaged by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), which brought an end to the north-south conflict in Sudan. The CPA also provides for a referendum on self-determination for southern Sudan, which is due to take place in January 2011. Ireland and the EU believe that full implementation of the CPA is fundamental to securing peace and stability in Sudan as a whole and in the region.

There have been some positive developments in the implementation of the CPA in recent months, including the registration of voters over a five week period at the end of last year and the passing of legislation in January to govern the referendum in the South. An EU electoral observation mission, the biggest such mission for this year, will deploy to Sudan at the end of this month.

However, there remain significant challenges which are putting increasing strain on the peace between north and south the closer we get to the elections. The security situation in southern Sudan is a serious concern in the face of ongoing tribal violence The results of the voter registrations have produced some considerable divergences with the results of the 2008 census and this will remain a point of contention between both sides. Concerns over national security legislation passed by the National Congress Party last December have also been expressed in the south and the wider international community. Meanwhile, both north and south are reportedly re-arming in the expectation of future confrontations along the disputed north-south border. The continuing conflict in Darfur and the associated tensions with the international community over the ICC arrest warrant against President Bashir also impinge on the north south peace process.

Ireland and the EU is strongly committed to support the development of a democratic, peaceful and prosperous Sudan and believes that only through an agreed approach which is inclusive of all Sudanese, can these objectives be met. Taking into account the interdependent and complex nature of the political challenges facing Sudan, the Union will remain engaged during this pivotal year for Sudan.