Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in Sudan and neighbouring jurisdictions continues to be monitored by the international community; the extent to which this has had a positive bearing on the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50471/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The situation in Sudan and South Sudan continues to be a matter of major concern for Ireland and our EU partners. The EU is working closely with the wider international community, including within the United Nations and with the African Union and neighbouring countries in the region, to exert pressure on the Governments in Khartoum and Juba. We are pressing them to implement fully the terms of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement concluded in advance of South Sudan’s independence and to resolve outstanding issues through peaceful and inclusive dialogue.

There have been some positive developments in recent weeks, notably the conclusion of nine agreements between Sudan and South Sudan on 27 September following a prolonged Summit meeting between Presidents Bashir and Kiir in Addis Ababa. These agreements cover oil revenue distribution and other important economic and security matters. However, a number of unresolved issues remain, and, if not addressed, they have the potential to lead to renewed conflict. Ireland and the EU fully support the work of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel, led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, which is leading international mediation efforts in the region, guided by the terms of UN Security Council Resolutions. The Panel has made proposals for ways to resolve remaining disputed issues between the two countries, notably on the status of the Abyei region, and the EU is calling upon the two Governments to engage in a constructive process to reach agreement on these outstanding issues.

A very serious concern is the continuing conflict in the regions of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile where there has been a serious humanitarian crisis. We are calling for all parties to fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law in terms of protecting civilians and allowing humanitarian access for aid agencies and workers. We are also calling for negotiations between the combatants to resolve outstanding political and security issues.