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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the recent problems in Port Sudan, Province of Sudan, with particular reference to (a) the actions of the Sudanese Army and (b) the arrest and detention of Beja Congress leaders; [215068] (2) if he will seek information on the demonstration in Port Sudan on 29 January, with particular reference to violence perpetrated by the police. [215069] Mr. Mullin: On 28 January, the Beja Congress in Port Sudan held a demonstration in protest against their marginalisation from social and political life. This followed clashes in the East of Sudan between the Beja and the Government, on 25 January. The demonstrations turned violent, and we understand that approximately 20 people were killed when police opened fire. The situation is reportedly now calmer, though tensions remain high. The majority of those arrested in relation to the incident have now been released, but a number of Beja leaders remain in detention. We are very concerned about increased tensions, and these specific incidents, in eastern Sudan. We have urged the Government of Sudan to show restraint, and made clear that attacks on civilians are totally unacceptable. We have also made clear that both sides should work together to resolve their grievances peacefully, within the framework of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

430 c1557-8W; 215068;215069

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Armed forces Demonstrations Arrests Protest Politics and government Violence Sudan Civil disorder

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk