UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Friday highly praised
China's role in improving situation in Darfur, and rebuffed threats
of linking Beijing's Olympics to the Darfur crisis.
Ban told reporters at the UN Headquarters in New York that "this
is separate issue" regarding to attempts of politicizing Beijing
Olympic Games by some Western politicians.
The UN chief also expressed his appreciation towards the Chinese
government for its continuous efforts to improve the situation in
the African country.
"The Chinese government has been always exerting their utmost
efforts," he said. "As I understand, I appreciate it."
Meanwhile, Ban noted that he has been discussing this matter
with the Chinese government.
China recently appointed a special envoy to work on Darfur
situation, and President Hu Jintao paid a visit last February, he
said, adding that China has also sent high-level officials to
discuss this matter with the Sudanese government.
He finally clearly confirmed China's positive and helpful role
in Darfur, saying he appreciates such a role played by the Chinese
government.
Ban expressed his optimism towards the future of Darfur issue,
stressing he has made some progress even though slow.
"There was an agreement to the second phase, heavy support
package," he said, adding that "now we are almost at the final
stage of presenting our common and joint proposal to the Sudanese
government."
The secretary-general said he had a telephone talk with Sudanese
President Bashir, and the president was committed to see early
resolution of this issue.
He pointed out that the international community's effort should
be made in a reinforcing manner, and the whole international
community should cooperate fully in addressing these issues so as
to find early resolution on this matter.
(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2007)