CRI听力： Darfur Envoys Seek More Peacekeeping Support

United Nations and African Union envoys to Darfur are calling for more international support for peacekeeping efforts in the war-torn region as concerned parties gathered in Geneva trying to break the standstill on the issue.

CRI's Zheng Chenguang reports.

Reporter:

UN and African peace envoys on Tuesday urged donor nations to speed support to peacekeepers in war-torn Darfur.

Speaking to reporters following two days of informal consultations in Geneva, Salim Ahmed Salim, African Union's special envoy for Darfur, said there were still much difficulties ahead and so far there was no definite timetable for the final solution of the Darfur issue.(www.hXen.com)

"It's not important to set a six or nine months deadline or timetable. It's important that all concerning parties come to the agreement that the Darfur issue should be solved through political agendas."

Jan Eliasson, the UN's special envoy for Darfur, echoed Salim's remarks, adding that more parties should be involved in solving the issue.

"It's our common understanding that donor nations should speed up the pace for the political agenda on the Darfur issue. Many people are suffering from pain brought about by the conflicts. Meanwhile, I believe the agenda should involve more parties, including civil agencies, tribal leaders, women's groups and people from other fields. We have made great efforts and will continue to do so."

Chinese Special Representative on the Darfur Issue Liu Guijin also attended the consultation meeting, Salim Ahmed Salim, the African Union envoy, highly praised China's role in solving the Darfur issue.

"China is an important country not just because it is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, but also it is African countries' friend. China has done all it can to solve the Darfur issue. Ending the conflict in Darfur is in line with Sudan people's interest."(www.Hxen.com)

China has been actively pushing for the deployment of a UN-AU peacekeeping force in Darfur. Last year alone, China provided over 80 million yuan, or about 11 million US dollars, of humanitarian aid to Sudan.

Liu Guijin reiterated that China is doing all these for the peace and development in Sudan in the long run.

"We are seeking a long-lasting solution to the issue. This conforms to China's policy for African countries. We do this not for making a show or alleviating some so-called pressure. We are willing to contribute our part for the peaceful development of Sudan."