Mr. President,

China welcomes your presence and your presiding over our deliberations today. We thank Special Representative Mamabolo and ASG Mueller for their briefings.

In recent years overall security situation of Darfur has been stable. Since the implementation of UNAMID’s transitional plan started in the second half of last year, Darfur has continued to remain stable. In the meantime, Darfur is still confronted with some challenges. In view of the current situation, international community should focus its efforts in the following two aspects.

First, it is imperative to continue to advance the political and peace processes of Darfur. Darfur is at a key juncture in its transition from peace keeping to peace building. International community should advance relevant political and peace processes persistently in a bid to achieve steady and smooth transition. Parties on the issue of Darfur should continue their restraint, avoid use of force and jointly safeguard peace and stability of Darfur. Some opposition and armed groups should abandon military solutions in real earnest, actively participate in peace process and resolve their frictions and differences through political means such as dialogue and consultation.

Second, it is necessary to continue to provide humanitarian assistance and economic support. The humanitarian situation of Darfur is still challenging. The foundation for economic and social development is weak, These factors will affect long-term peace and stability of Darfur. International community should continue to honor its commitments by actively providing humanitarian assistance and economic support. The current focus should be on helping Sudan to resolve the issue of the return and settlement of IDPs, building and improving local infrastructure and improving agricultural development. China welcomes necessary support from UNDP and PBC and other relevant bodies for the reconstruction and development of Sudan.

China commends UNAMID’s contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability in Darfur and supports its continued activities according to the mandate to ensure the implementation of mandated priorities. China hopes that the UN secretariat and the AU will keep in close contact to conduct full and objective evaluations of issues such as the implementation of UNAMID’s transitional plan and transition of Darfur from peace keeping to peace building so as to provide timely and feasible recommendations to the Security Council.

Mr. President,

Sudan is an important country in Africa and the Arab region. Maintenance of its stability not only serves the long-term and fundamental interests of the Sudanese people, but also contributes to peace and security of the wider region and Africa as a whole.

China follows closely the developments in Sudan. The Transitional Military Council has engaged with parties in Sudan to carry out dialogue and to listen to their aspirations, which China welcomes and supports. We hope that relevant parties in Sudan can build consensus, jointly advance the process of political transition and safeguard stability, order and development of Sudan.

International community should respect the decisions made by the Sudanese people themselves and adhere to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

Mr. President,

China stands ready to work with wider international community so as to jointly play a constructive role in promoting stability and development of Sudan and Darfur.

Thank you, Mr. President.