China concerned over Darfur crisis: envoy

KHARTOUM, Aug 16, 2004 (Xinhua) — The Chinese government and leaders have been paying great attention to the situation in Sudan ‘s troubled west Darfur region, China’s Assistant Foreign Minister Lu Guozeng said here Monday.

Efforts made by the Sudanese government, the United Nations, the African Union and the Arab League to resolve the Darfur crisis should be fully recognized, Lu said during a meeting with Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir.

Calling for more peace-making efforts from the international community, Lu hoped the Sudanese government will take further concrete measures to find an early solution to the Darfur crisis.

Lu briefed the Sudanese president on the Chinese government’s plan to offer Sudan another 5 million yuan (610,000 US dollars) in humanitarian aid.

Omar Al-Bashir thanked the Chinese government for its efforts to help solve the Darfur crisis and its humanitarian aid. He promised his government will try its best to achieve peace in Darfur.

Lu arrived here Saturday for a three-day visit.