On the whole, the situation in Darfur, the Sudan, is now easing. There has been progress in the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur.

The international community should continue to support the parties in Darfur in fully implementing the Doha Document and in ensuring that the rebels there renounce violence and sign a peace agreement with the Sudanese Government on the basis of the Document.

China believes that the political process holds the key to an appropriate settlement of the question of Darfur. It is only through the realization of a lasting peace in Darfur by political means that the foundation can be truly laid for justice.

Our position on the question of the International Criminal Court remains unchanged. We hope that the efforts of the ICC on the issue of Darfur will facilitate the political settlement of the question of Darfur.

We hope that the Security Council and the ICC will fully respect the views of the African Union and the Arab League on this question.