2011-05-23 21:19

BEIJING - China is paying attention to recent conflicts in Sudan's Abyei area, and urges north and south Sudan to solve their differences through negotiation and consultation, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu said Monday in a statement.

"China hopes the two sides can adhere to peace and restrain themselves to solve their divergence through negotiations and consultations on the basis of mutual understanding and mutual accommodation and implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement," Jiang said.

"This is conducive to the long-lasting peace in Sudan and to safeguarding regional peace and stability," Jiang said.

Tensions have increased in Abyei after a Sudanese army convoy and UN peacekeepers were attacked in the area Friday morning, which resulted in the death of 22 Sudanese soldiers.

The Sudanese Armed Forces on Saturday controlled Abyei after violent clashes with Sudan People's Liberation Army have continued since the initial attack.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Saturday issued a Republican Decree dissolving the Abyei administration.

Unrest has plagued the Abyei area since the people of Southern Sudan voted for independence in a referendum held on January 9.

South Sudan is due to become independent on July 9, but Abyei is still claimed by both sides.