Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that the transitional military council of Sudan acts in good faith during its negotiations with the opposition on forming a civilian government.

On 3 June, the Foreign Secretary condemned the attack on protestors by Sudanese security forces, and held the Transitional Military Council (TMC) fully responsible. We also expressed serious concern over the TMC's announcement that it would cease negotiations, and we called for an agreed transfer of power to a civilian-led government. We have called on the TMC to take the steps needed to improve the situation in Sudan, including the release of all political detainees.

The TMC should now take appropriate steps to provide confidence for protestors and create the conditions necessary for the resumption of dialogue, which includes an investigation into the 3 June attack, an end to the blocking of the internet, and a free media being allowed. We have said that the TMC must re-engage in a political process with the protestors and opposition to ensure an agreed transfer of power to a civilian-led authority, in a swift, orderly and peaceful manner. The UK will continue to engage with all sides to support a settlement that works for all Sudanese people.