China favors Sudan’s unity but will respect referendum outcome: envoy

July 6, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The Chinese special envoy to Africa Liu Guijing said his government would be “delighted” to see Sudan remain united following the 2011 referendum in the South but noted that Beijing will nonetheless respect choices made by Southerners.

Guijing currently visiting the country said that China stands by Sudan to achieve stability and development and utilization of its resources adding that “positive developments” were made following April’s elections and formation of federal and state governments.

“We would be delighted to see Sudan remaining united, [but] at the same time we will respect the choice and the choice of the Sudanese people,” the Chinese envoy told reporters after meeting with foreign minister Ali Karti.

“At the same time, whatever happens, whatever the result of the referendum will be, we hope and we believe that peace and tranquility will prevail,” he added.

Guijing cautioned against pre-judging the outcome of the referendum or manipulate people’s choices saying that the Sudanese must be the one making the decision.

Karti on his end said that Sudan is looking forward for a Chinese role during the period leading up to the referendum to support the unity efforts and realizing a comprehensive peace and stability in Sudan.

Southerners are to vote in a January 2011 referendum that could lead to the independence of South Sudan, which has vast and largely untapped natural resources, including oil.

The referendum is a central plank of a 2005 peace agreement that ended more than two decades of war between Sudan’s north and south.

China joins a number of regional and international players who expressed support for the country to remain united. Many countries fear that a new state would be plagued by violence, poverty and instability which could spread to other states.

(ST)