China and the United States on Thursday said negotiations
remained the best solution to resolving the issue of the war-torn
Darfur region of Sudan.
"China agrees to take an all-round and balanced approach to
bring about peace and stability in Darfur," Chinese State Councilor
Tang Jiaxuan told the visiting US President's special envoy to
Sudan Andrew Natsios.
In an hour-long meeting with Natsios in Beijing, Tang said China
has always paid close attention to the Darfur issue and does not
wish to see any conflict or war there.
"We actively back the international community's efforts to help
the people in Darfur restore peace under the framework of the
United Nations," Tang said.
Echoing Tang's remarks, Natsios said negotiations were the best
way to politically resolve the Darfur issue.
Natsios's China visit came after Sudanese government Antonov
aircraft bombed two villages in war-torn Darfur on Dec. 29,
2006.
Calling his four-day China visit "productive," Natsios said the
United States would like to work with parties concerned to seek a
solution to the Darfur issue.
"Your government is very helpful," Natsios told Tang. "I am very
pleased with the consultations."
Natsios said the United States would like to maintain
communication and cooperation with China on the Darfur issue.
Several Chinese Foreign Ministry officials also held separate
talks with Natsios in Beijing.
(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2007)