Q: It is reported that the AU, the UN and Sudan released a joint statement on June 12 after a two-day negotiation in Addis Ababa, saying that the Sudanese Government had accepted the amended plan to deploy the AU-UN hybrid peace-keeping mission in Darfur region since the AU and UN had made explanation and clarification on the issue. Do you have any comment on that?

A: China welcomes a joint statement issued by the African Union, the United Nations and Sudan after consultation, which agreed on the deployment of an AU UN hybrid mission in Darfur. The facts have shown that dialogue and equal negotiation is an effective approach to political solution of the Darfur issue, and the consultation between the AU, the UN and the Sudanese Government is an effective mechanism. The international community should strive to maintain the current good momentum in resolving the Darfur issue, promote comprehensive implementation of the Annan plan and political process in Darfur in a balanced way, help Sudan improve the humanitarian and security situation in Darfur and promote proper settlement of the Darfur issue as soon as possible. China is ready to continue to play an active and constructive role in the resolution of the Darfur issue, and will work together with the international community to promote the early realization of peace, stability and development in Darfur.