UNITED NATIONS, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday called for an end to unilateral sanctions against Sudan as well as international support for the country in face of COVID-19.
The international community should watch closely the impacts of COVID-19 on Sudan and its people, said Yao Shaojun, minister counselor of China's permanent mission to the United Nations.
Given Sudan's weak health and medical systems, China encourages the international community to provide assistance to the Sudanese government, he told the Security Council.
Unilateral sanctions on Sudan should be lifted, he said, adding that international financial institutions should show flexibility on the debt of Sudan and lend a helping hand.
China has donated plenty of medical supplies to Sudan, including face masks, testing kits and protection suits. China will continue to offer help in the future, he said.
Yao noted that the situation in Darfur is generally stable, and welcomed the positive developments on the Sudanese peace process.
He called on related parties in Darfur to seize the window of opportunity for political progress and respond to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's call for a global cease-fire. It is time to resolve disputes and differences through political dialogue and promote the peace process, he said.
On the follow-up presence of the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), decisions should be made on the basis of the Sudanese views and positions and the situation on the ground, said Yao.
Critical issues, including whether to establish a special political mission and its specific mandate, should fully respect the wishes and the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Sudan, he said.
China is ready to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace and sustainable development in Sudan, he said.
The western Sudanese region of Darfur has been plagued by a war between Sudanese government forces and the indigenous population since 2003. The UNAMID was approved by the Security Council in July 2007 to bring stability to the restive region. Enditem
