Darfur JEM vows to not attack Chinese peacekeepers

November 27, 2007 (LONDON) — Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) said today they will not attack Chinese peacekeepers that arrived recently in war-torn region; and this despite their hostile position towards China’s participation in the Hybrid Operation.

Last Sunday JEM leader, Khalil Ibrahim, told Reuters that Chinese are not welcome. He also said they would not allow them to come into areas under JEM control.

Ahmed Hussein Adam, the spokesperson of the JEM, on Tuesday reiterated to Sudan Tribune that despite the rejection of Darfur people to the presence of the Chinese troops in the region; his movement would not attack them.

“In spite of the fact that Darfur people do not welcome the Chinese troops who are the main ally of Khartoum government and its principle provider of weapons, we will not target the Chinese peacekeepers.” JEM spokesperson said.

Ahmed underlined that these troops are there under UN mandate.

“We would not attempt by military means to prevent it from discharging its duties under the mandate of the Security Council and specifically resolution 1679 adopted on July 31.” He pointed.

Last week Hussein Abusharati, the spokesperson of Darfur displaced opposed the participation of the Chinese troops in the hybrid peacekeeping operation in Darfur. He compared them to the Khartoum backed Janjaweed militias.

China is charged by Darfur displaced and rebels of arming Sudanese government and hindering the international community efforts to deploy a robust force in the region for long time to protect civilians.

Today the Chinese Ambassador in Khartoum, Li Cheng Wen, voiced deep concern for the safety of the Chinese troops. He urged the UN to take the necessary measures to protect them.

135 Chinese engineers arrived in south Darfur’s capital Nyala last Saturday to prepare the way for a 26,000-strong United Nations/African Union force in the region, where four years of conflict have killed up to 200,000 people.

The main task for the Chinese engineering units is to build camps, roads and to dig wells in preparation for the deployment of peacekeepers from other countries. A second batch of 175 Chinese troops is expected to arrive in April 2008.

(ST)