A Chinese envoy to the United Nations Wednesday urged the international community to make more efforts for a comprehensive, political solution of the Darfur issue.
Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the world body, made the remarks after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of African Union-United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur, or UNAMID, for another year, until June 30, 2017.
China commends the Sudanese government for its commitment to promoting national dialogue, efforts to maintain peace, stability and economic development of the Darfur region, as well as the successful holding of a referendum in the Darfur region in April. China welcomes the signing of the AU-proposed roadmap agreement by the government of Sudan, said Liu.
He added that "the international community should urge relevant Sudanese armed groups and oppositions to sign the roadmap agreement as soon as possible, join the national dialogue and the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, so as to achieve a comprehensive and political solution of the Darfur issue. "
On March 21, the government of Sudan signed the Roadmap Agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which was proposed by AU High Level Implementation Panel for Sudan and South Sudan.
The agreement proposed the signing of a cessation of hostilities in the Blue Nile, South Kordofan states and the Darfur region and called for national dialogues as well. However, the Sudanese armed groups and oppositions are reluctant to sign the deal.
"China commends the UNAMID for its work in promoting political process in Darfur, mediating disputes between ethnic groups and rendering humanitarian relief ," said Liu.
He also held that UN peacekeeping operations should effectively respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the host countries and heed their opinions. The mandate and troop sizes should also be adjusted according to developments on the ground and actual needs, he added.
