Foreign and Military Affairs

China hopes Sudan's referendums to reflect people's will

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-19 20:19

BEIJING - China hoped the referendums planned for January 2011 in Sudan would be conducted in a transparent and fair manner and reflect the Sudanese people's will, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman here Tuesday.

"Whatever the result of the referendums, it is of paramount importance to safeguard the peace and stability of Sudan," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu told a regular press conference.

China appreciated the Sudanese government's efforts in maintaining peace and promoting national reconciliation, said Ma, adding China supports the north and south of Sudan to steadily push forward the peace process through dialogue and friendly consultation.

Ma reiterated that China hoped Sudan would maintain lasting peace and stability and the Darfur issue could be properly resolved at an early date.

The referendums, scheduled for Jan 9, will determine whether or not south Sudan will remain part of the country and if the oil-rich Abyei region will join the north or south of the country.

The Jan 9 referendums were mandated by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended a 20-year civil war between the central government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA).