Mr. President,

Over the past few months, thanks to the joint efforts of all the parties and the African Union in particular, and with the "Joint Communiqué" between the Sudanese Government and the Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan on July 3, and especially with the signing of the Plan of Action by the Sudanese Foreign Minister and the Secretary-General's Special Representative in early August, the situation in Darfur has gradually improved and is turning for the better. The Sudanese Government has shown its sincerity in resolving the problem and has taken many measures accordingly. This is an objective reality that cannot be denied.

Under such circumstances, and given the complexity of Darfur issue, the Security Council and the international community should focus on encouraging the Sudanese Government to continue to cooperate, rather than the other way round. We should fully support the African Union in its mediation, rather than increasing its difficulties. We should help bring about an early agreement for political solution between the Sudanese Government and the rebels, rather than sending wrong signals and making negotiations more difficult. We should increase humanitarian assistance to Darfur, rather than create a situation that will lead to the closing the door to humanitarian relief.

Due to the above reasons, the Chinese delegation has serious reservations on the draft resolution. We are concerned that it will not help contribute to the solution of the problem. Nevertheless, since the key of the council's work at present is to support the African Union in extending its deployment in Darfur, which reflects the wishes of the African Union and the Secretary-General, and the broad consensus, the Chinese delegation has refrained from blocking the adoption of the draft resolution.

Mr. President,

The Chinese Government highly appreciates the enormous and valuable efforts made by the African Union in seeking a solution to this issue. We support expanding AU deployment in Darfur, and we call on the international community to offer every possible help to this end. We maintain that only political settlement through negotiations will lead to final resolution of the Darfur Crisis. We therefore hope the Government of Sudan and the rebel groups to accelerate their political talks in order to achieve a comprehensive agreement at an early date. The international community should make vigorous efforts to create favorable conditions for the talks. At the same time, it is necessary for the international community to not only urge the Sudanese Government to improve security situation in Darfur, but also promptly fulfill all the assistance commitments made. The donor countries that have the abilities should, in particular, offer all the assistance they can. Only by so doing can we effectively save those lives that need help.

Finally, we have taken note that the sponsors have repeatedly stated that the threat of sanction will not be automatically implemented. I wish to reiterate that China remains unchanged in its position against sanctions. It is our consistent view that instead of helping solve complicated problems, sanctions may make them even more complicated.

Thank you, Mr. President.