China appreciates the commitment of the Government of the Sudan to the promotion of national dialogue, peace and stability in the Darfur region and its economic development, and to the successful organization of the referendum in Darfur. China appreciates the mediation efforts of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel and welcomes the signing by the Government of the Sudan of the road map agreement proposed by the Panel. The international community should urge the relevant armed groups and opposition to expeditiously sign the road map agreement and participate in the national dialogue and the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur in order to achieve a comprehensive political settlement of the Darfur issue.

China appreciates the work of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) to promote the political process in Darfur, mediate and resolve intercommunal conflicts, and assist in delivering humanitarian relief. United Nations peacekeeping operations should effectively respect the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of host countries, heed the opinion of host countries and adjust the scale and mandate of operations in a timely manner, in keeping with the changes in local circumstances and needs. China welcomes the work of the Sudanese Government to assist UNAMID in implementing its mandate. We hope that the Secretariat, the African Union and the Sudanese Government will continue to take advantage of the tripartite mechanism and the platform of the Joint Working Group to strengthen communications and consultation, duly address any problems that emerge during the course of cooperation, and strive to formulate a practical and reasonable exit strategy for the Mission as soon as possible.