Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of Sudan on recent trends in the level of violence in that country; and what recent discussions he has had with his Sudanese counterparts to help the development of democracy in that country.

The UK condemns the recent violence in Sudan which resulted in the killing and injuring of many peaceful civilian protestors. We made this clear in the E8 statement issued following the Sudan briefing at the UN Security Council and alongside Troika partners (US, Norway and UK) in our statement of 4 June. The following day I summoned the Sudanese Ambassador to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to set out the grave concerns of the United Kingdom at the use of violence by the Sudanese authorities against civilians this week.

We have stressed to the Sudanese authorities the need for an agreed transfer of power to a civilian-led government, followed by a process of reform leading to eventual free and fair elections, as demanded by the people of Sudan. The UK has consistently called for a transition to a political system that is inclusive, supported by a sound constitutional basis that is respectful of human rights and the rule of law and that ensures accountability for crimes committed. Our Ambassador to Khartoum has met with the Transitional Military Council , opposition members and protestors and continues to deliver these messages.