China warning over Darfur sanctions
International sanctions against Sudan over the conflict in Darfur would only raise the level of confrontation and prolong the suffering of refugees, China’s newly-appointed envoy has said.
Speaking on a visit to the region, Liu Guijin called for greater humanitarian aid into Darfur instead, Sudan’s state news agency reported.
Liu said the threat of sanctions would “further complicate the situation” and add to the suffering of 2.5 million refugees displaced by the four-year conflict.
He met local officials in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, before touring two nearby refugee camps, the report said.
An estimated 100,000 people now live in the Abu Shouk and As-Salam camps.
At least 200,000 people have died since the rebellion erupted in February 2003, according to United Nations estimates.
Western pressure
Liu’s visit comes as the US and other Western nations push for tough sanctions against the Sudanese government, accused of masterminding a counterinsurgency campaign in Darfur.
As one of Sudan’s most important trading partners, Beijing has been criticised for not using its influence to press the Sudanese government to end the violence in Darfur.
Some human rights groups have called for a boycott of the 2008 Beijing Olympics unless China takes firmer action.
China buys two-thirds of its oil and is accused of selling the government weapons used in Darfur despite a UN embargo.
Speaking on his visit Liu said China would continue to play a constructive and positive role in seeking a settlement to the conflict.
He said Beijing had offered an additional financial assistance of $80m for Darfur, with two of four instalments already paid.
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