Chinese oil workers in Sudan safe: FM

BEIJING—Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said here Thursday that Chinese oil workers in Sudan are safe.
Liu made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to reports that a China-related oil field in Sudan were attacked by terrorists.
Liu said the conflict between the north and south has involved the Chinese oil companies and workers, and China is highly concerned about the situation there.
“We hope relevant sides could ceasefire immediately and solve the Darfur issue as soon as possible through peaceful negotiations.” Liu said.
China hopes the Sudanese government could attach importance to the concern of China, and take effective measures to ensure the safety of the Chinese workers, Liu added.
Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Li Chengwen Tuesday delivered a batch of aid to the local government of the western Sudanese region of Darfur.
As the fundamental way out for Darfur lies in development, the delivery of the aid, including electric generators, pumps and medical instruments, is conducive to regional development of the conflict-torn region, said Li at the delivery ceremony in Nyala, capital city of the South Darfur State.
The aid not only embodies the China-Sudan friendship, but represents the sincere hope of the Chinese government for the early realization of peace in Darfur, said the Chinese ambassador.
China will continue to play a constructive role in the efforts to properly resolve the Darfur issue, he added.
Applauding and appreciating China’s long-term impartial assistance, Sudanese Energy and Mining Minister Awad Ahmed al-Jaz said that China’s aid will play an important role in the regional reconstruction and development of Darfur and help the displaced people in the war-torn region return to their homes at an early date.
On behalf of the recipients, South Darfur Governor Ali Mahmud expressed his heartfelt thanks for China’s generous assistance and its unremitting efforts to solve the Darfur issue. China’s special envoy on Darfur issue Liu Guijin arrived in Khartoum on Tuesday for a three-day visit to Sudan.
During his visit, the Chinese envoy will hold talks with Sudanese officials on the situation in Darfur as well as other issues of common concerns.
This is Liu’s third visit to Sudan since he was appointed to the present post in May.
After the visit in Sudan, the Chinese envoy will fly to Libya to attend the inaugural session of the peace negotiations between the Sudanese government and anti-government movements in Darfur.
The Darfur peace talks, which have been deadlocked since a peace agreement was signed between the Sudanese government and a main anti-government group in May 2006, will be resumed in Libya on Oct.27, under the co-sponsorship of the United Nations and the African Union.—Xinhua