Darfur, in western Sudan, has drawn intensive media coverage
from around the world as conflicts between communities of different
ethnicities, tribes and religions have caused the deaths of tens of
thousands of people and driven millions from their homes since
2003.
The Sudan government remains a target for severe media and
public condemnation as the chief "culprit" in this human
tragedy.
The accusations have escalated with some Western countries
pushing for sanctions against Sudan. The call for sanctions
followed the Sudan government's initial rejection of United Nations
Security Council Resolution 1706. The resolution, passed last
August, aimed to expand the mandate of the UN mission in Sudan,
including Darfur.
Harsh demands have been made of Sudan but little respect has
been shown for the country one of the largest on the African
continent. As a sovereign nation, Sudan, which learned bitter
lessons during the colonial years, aspires to territorial
integrity, national unity, ethnic reconciliation and regional peace
and stability.
There has been a lot of talk about sanctions, which ignores the
fact that the root cause of the clashes in Darfur is extreme
poverty. This can only be addressed through continuous economic and
social development in a stable and peaceful environment.
China has taken into consideration all the concerns and worked
with perseverance. It has been playing a critical and constructive
role in pushing for concrete actions to secure peace and stability
in the Darfur region.
Early this week, Sudan reached an agreement with the United
Nations and the African Union (AU) to allow limited UN troops and
police to support the 7,000-strong AU force in Darfur.
In recognition of humanitarian and security issues, China has
sent relief and provided funds to the local people and the AU
peacekeeping forces.
China has done its work in Sudan with the belief that political
dialogue among all participants on an equal footing will lead to
the gradual realization of peace in Darfur.
Pressures to force the government of Sudan to abandon its rights
and the threat to impose sanctions will only aggravate
problems.
(China Daily April 13, 2007)
