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China plays 'most positive role' in Sudan peace process

By Li Xiaokun (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-07-10 07:22

The positive impact China has made on the Sudan peace process has been larger than that of any other country despite accusations from the West that it has not done much to stem conflict in the African country, a senior Sudanese official said Wednesday.

"In my opinion, China has played the most positive role (in Sudan) among countries outside the region," visiting Advisor of the President of Sudan, Mustafa Ismail, told reporters at a press conference in Beijing.

In sharp contrast, some Western countries have been playing up the Darfur issue as a conflict between the Arab and the African groups, to impose pressure on the Sudanese government for their own interests, Ismail said.

Mustafa Ismail

To that effect, a number of media outlets in the West have distorted the role of China in the Darfur issue, while some politicians have threatened to boycott the Beijing Olympics.

"We should know their tactics," Ismail said.

China's achievement in the Sudan peace process stems largely from its pure and transparent motive, Ismail said.

"China does not have an ulterior motive for being involved in the peace process. It is doing so for peace itself, which has won great trust both from our government and from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement," he said, referring to the major party in the south that signed a comprehensive peace agreement with the government in 2005.

China's humanitarian aid to Sudan, exceeding 100 million yuan ($15 million), as well as a sympathetic understanding of African problems, have added to the country's influence in the region, Ismail said.

The presidential advisor also expressed his gratitude to Chinese peacekeeping forces in Darfur, which is "doing a great job" by providing technology and experience to the United Nations-African Union (UN-AU) mission, on top of delivering humanitarian aid.

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"You really should see the difference they are making," Ismail said.

Darfur is now experiencing peace, while political negotiations will resume in weeks when the new envoy designated by the UN and AU is familiar with the region, he said. Many armed factions in the area are also negotiating with the government for peace, he added.

"That will greatly influence the Darfur peace process," Ismail said.

"We believe the Darfur issue has entered the road to settlement."

Ismail, who is also a leading member of the National Congress Party, Sudan's ruling party, is on a five-day, inter-party visit to Beijing at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. He will leave China on Saturday.