Madam President,

I thank Special Representative Volker Perthes for his briefing, and welcome the Permanent Representative of Sudan to today’s meeting, I also listened carefully to the statement by Mr. Mudawi.

Sudan is now at a critical stage of political transition. While challenges and uncertainties remain, the relevant parties have stayed to the cause of dialogue and consultation in search for a way to restore the transitional government and continue the political transition. We have noted the announcement by the Sudanese military in July to withdraw from the political dialogue to allow space for political forces to form a government. Political groups have put forward many initiatives for the establishment of the government. The trilateral mechanism of the UN, the AU, and IGAD has also been working to facilitate an intra-Sudan political dialogue. Facts have repeatedly proven that the Sudanese issue can only be resolved by finding a path that accords with its national conditions and interests of the country and people, while the imposition of external solutions and single-minded pursuit of quick results will not be conducive to lasting political stability. The international community should adhere to the Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led principle, remain patient as necessary for its internal consultation and dialogue, and offer support and encouragement to the efforts of the political forces in Sudan.

In response to recent inter-communal clashes in Darfur, the Sudanese Government took prompt measures to fulfill its responsibility for the protection of civilians. Some progress has been made in the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement. The Permanent Ceasefire Committee continues to play its role in eliminating violent conflict. And the first cohort of 2,000 soldiers of the Joint Security Keeping Forces in Darfur was successfully graduated. This could not have been possible without the sustained political inputs of the Sudanese Government and relevant signatories. It should be noted that financial shortfalls are hobbling the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement on the ground. This is a hard-won agreement, which international community should cherish and provide financial and technical support to accelerate its implementation.

The sanctions imposed by the Council in relation to Darfur have severely restricted the Sudanese Government’s ability to maintain stability and protect civilians there. The measures should be adjusted in light of the evolving situation until they are lifted. China regrets that the Council was not able to set benchmarks for adjusting Sudan sanctions before August 31, as required by the security council resolution, and urges the penholder to earnestly fulfill responsibilities, resume consultations as soon as possible, and makes the utmost efforts for consensus. It must be stressed that the benchmarks should be clear, well-defined and realistic. They should not go beyond the Darfur issue and existing sanctions measures, nor should they become a political tool to delay the lifting of sanctions against Sudan. The Government of Sudan has stated its position on benchmarks in its letter to the Council dated August 31, which deserves positive responses from the penholder and other members of the Council.

At present, Sudan’s economy and people's livelihood continue to deteriorate. As droughts and floods take turns hitting country, food insecurity and displacement are urgent issues to be solved, and its humanitarian situation faces grave challenges. When the Sudanese people are most in need, politically motivated suspension of economic aid and debt relief will aggravate the economic and humanitarian stress of Sudan, and will not help it get out of the current predicament. China calls on relevant countries and international organizations to adopt responsible policies and resume international assistance to Sudan as soon as possible, so as to help the country alleviate its economic and humanitarian difficulties. China sincerely supports Sudan’s peace and development, and attaches no political condition in doing so. In the wake of the severe floods affecting in multiple areas in Sudan, China immediately sent the message of sympathy, to be followed by disaster relief assistance. China will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries, and provide support and assistance to Sudan to the best of our abilities.

Thank you, Madam President.