British lawmakers’ criticism of China on Darfur “irresponsible”
October 30, 2007 (BEIJING) — A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said here Tuesday that a letter from British lawmakers urging China to shoulder more responsibility for ending the conflict in Sudan’s Darfur region was irresponsible.
“This is utterly irresponsible, as it is obvious to all that China has played a constructive role on the Darfur issue,” Liu Jianchao, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, told a routine press conference.
“We feel regretful that some politicians ignored China’s efforts,” Liu said.
It is reported that on Monday, more than 100 British lawmakers, in a letter addressed to Chinese President Hu Jintao and delivered to the Chinese Embassy in London, called on China to should more responsibility on Darfur issue.
Liu said China holds that under the current situation, the parties concerned should fully support and cooperate with the United Nations and the African Union, and solve the Darfur issue through political negotiation.
He also urged all sides in the Darfur region to end conflicts and realize ceasefire so to create good atmosphere for peace talks.
Main opposition factions in Darfur should take part in the process of political talks and forge a united stance, Liu added.
The Darfur peace talks, which have been deadlocked since a peace agreement was signed between the Sudanese government and a main anti-government group in May 2006, was resumed in Sirte of Libya on October 27 under the co-sponsorship of the United Nations and the African Union.
(Xinhua)