CRI听力：China Calls for Settlement of Darfur Issue

China has again stressed the importance of multinational joint efforts in solving the Darfur issue. At an international seminar recently held in Beijing, Chinese officials say they are actively working for a diplomatic solution to the conflicts in the war torn region. CRI Reporter Chen Xi has the details.

During a seminar titled "Darfur Peace and Development" in Beijing, Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun reiterated China's position on the issue.(Www.hxen.net)

Zhai Jun said Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected, and that the Darfur issue should be resolved through dialogue and consultations on an equal footing.

"We should advocate the role of the United Nations, African Union and the Sudanese government in pushing forward the peacekeeping operation and political process in Darfur. Meanwhile, the international community should help Sudan improve security in the country by providing aid for reconstruction and establishing peace, stability and development."

Zhai Jun said China supports the UN-African Union hybrid peacekeeping operation in Darfur, adding that scare natural resources and abject poverty contributes to instability in the region. China has so far provided relief supplies worth 80 million Yuan, or over ten million US dollars, to the region.

Africa expert Ochieng Adala echoed Zhai Jun's views at the seminar, blaming the current situation on differences between political factions in Sudan. He said a consensus was urgently needed between the United Nations, its permanent members, the African Union and Darfur rebels.

Secretary-general of the African Association Ahmed Haggag urged related parties to take positive initiatives.

"Due attention should be given on deploying the hybrid peacekeeping force. This must not be done at the expense of the efforts for political settlement. The international community neglected its promises for sizeable problems of economic assistance for the rehabilitation of Darfur."

Liu Guijin, Chinese envoy to the strife-torn Sudanese region of Darfur, said it was heartening to see more countries coming forward to help resolve the Darfur issue.

"Resolving the Darfur issue needs the collective efforts of the global arena, including China and in particular, the Five Permanent Members of Security Council. If not, it will be quite difficult. Fortunately, more and more countries have been showing interest in helping out."

Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in Darfur over the last five years. China is among the few countries outside Africa to send peacekeeping troops to Darfur. More than a hundred Chinese peacekeepers are already there.

Chinese officials say that Beijing will send another 300 next month.

Chen Xi, CRI News