Foreign Office Minister, Lord Malloch-Brown, has commented on the decision due to be announced on 22 July by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, based in The Hague, on the boundary of the Abyei area in Sudan.

Lord Malloch-Brown said:

"I welcome the public commitment by both parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to accept as final and binding the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration regarding the boundaries of the Abyei area.  Resolving the dispute over Abyei is a key part of the CPA and this decision should be an important step forward in ensuring peace and stability in the Abyei area.

The United Kingdom calls on both the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement and the National Congress Party to ensure that the decision is fully implemented in a timely manner, and in a way which does not escalate tensions or cause conflict.  The UK welcomes the strong presence of the UN Mission in Sudan and its key role in helping to provide security.  I call upon the Parties to ensure that the decision is clearly communicated to Sudanese on the ground and that the continuing rights of communities and people throughout the Abyei area are guaranteed.

The United Kingdom is committed to peace, stability and development across Sudan and continues to work with all parties to urge rapid implementation of outstanding elements of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and to ensure peace and justice in Darfur."

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