Chinese envoy urges positive response to lifting of Sudan sanctions

UNITED NATIONS -- A Chinese envoy Wednesday called on the international community to respond positively to lifting sanctions against Sudan.

Rebuilding the rule of law and achieving justice in Darfur in Sudan are common goals of the international community, Liang Hengzhu, counselor of the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations, told a Security Council meeting.

He pointed out that implementing the Juba Peace Agreement and building the Sudanese government's judicial capacity require financial support.

"The international community should exclude political consideration, provide tangible assistance to Sudan, and respond positively to the lifting of the Security Council sanctions, an issue Sudan is concerned about," Liang said.

He reiterated that China's position on the International Criminal Court's involvement in Sudan remains unchanged.

"We hope that the court will strictly adhere to the principle of complementary jurisdiction, respect in earnest the judicial sovereignty of Sudan," Liang said.

He also called on the court to fully heed the relevant opinions of the Sudanese government; maintain its independence, impartiality and objectivity in the investigations, prosecutions and trials; and ensure that the work done is conducive to promoting justice and achieving lasting peace in Sudan.