Authorization of the deployment of up to 26,000 joint
peacekeepers in Darfur by a unanimous vote at the UN Security
Council on Tuesday points to the wisdom and patience displayed by
the international community in finding a solution to the
complicated crisis.
Underlying Resolution 1769 is the consensus by members of the
Security Council that the deployment of such a force will be of
significance to the continuation of the political process leading
to final peace in the region.
The resolution should be viewed as an unprecedented UN
peacekeeping mission rather than the exertion of pressure on the
Sudanese government. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of
the country must be respected in carrying out the mission.
Cooperation from the Sudanese government is vital to the success
of the mission and to the final settlement of conflicts in the
region.
The unconditional acceptance of the joint peacekeeping force by
the Sudanese government has shown its earnestness and flexibility
in seeking a solution to the crisis.
The resolution is just the beginning of cooperation between the
United Nations, the African Union and the Sudanese government. The
dialogue between the three parties and the agreement reached
between them on the deployment of the joint force laid the
foundation for adoption of the resolution.
In this respect, we see more possibilities and opportunities for
the three parties to further push the political process for final
settlement of the crisis.
The new move is just an initial step toward final solution.
There will never be lasting peace in the region unless the root
cause of the conflict is eradicated.
Darfur is a region plagued by adverse natural conditions.
Different ethnic groups fight for the limited resources to
survive.
Undoubtedly it is far from enough to stop the conflicts only. A
process involving all ethnic groups in the region needs to be
pushed further for a lasting peace. At the same time, humanitarian
aid is necessary to meet the needs of the people. Economic
development and social progress also needs to be boosted to root
out the very cause for the region's crisis.
Dialogue is the most effective approach to handling the issue.
Sanctions and political pressure can only make the situation worse
and more complicated. The adoption of the resolution speaks
volumes.
(China Daily August 2, 2007)
