Statement by Ambassador Dai Bing at the Security Council's consideration of the situation in Sudan

Madam President,

I thank Special Representative Peltes for her briefing and welcome the representative of Sudan to today's meeting. I have also listened carefully to Ms. Al-karib's statement.

At present, the Sudanese political process has made positive progress, which is inseparable from the joint efforts of the Sudanese authorities and relevant parties. We need to build on the positive momentum and inject new impetus into Sudan's peaceful development. I wish to make the following remarks:

First, we need to take multiple measures to advance the political process. The Sudanese government has made great efforts to implement the Juba peace agreement, and the achievements are there for all to see. China appreciates the Sudanese authorities' proposal of a comprehensive framework for political settlement, which is conducive to easing tensions among all parties and promoting the implementation of the agreement. We hope Sudan will make new progress in establishing a transitional legislative assembly and preparing for general elections. China supports the Sudanese government in continuing peace talks with factions that have not signed a peace agreement and urges those factions to join the peace process as soon as possible. China is pleased to see that the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNTAG) is constantly strengthening its configuration and enhancing its capacity to perform its duties. Unmis should, in accordance with its mandate, closely integrate its work with Sudan's strategic priority areas and constantly improve the pertinence and effectiveness of its work.

Second, we should intensify efforts to maintain stability in Darfur. Compared with previous years, the situation in Darfur has improved significantly. Since the withdrawal of unAMID, the Sudanese Sovereignty Council and the Transitional Government have taken a series of measures, including setting up a number of mechanisms, including the Joint High Military Commission for Security arrangements, the Permanent Cease-fire Commission and sectoral and regional commissions, to speed up the implementation of the security arrangements under the peace agreement. Recently, security incidents and ethnic conflicts have occurred in Darfur due to COVID-19, natural disasters and other factors. The international community should give strong support to Help Sudan enhance security capacity building and better protect civilians in darfur.

Third, we need to identify the right priorities to promote economic development and national reconstruction. The Sudanese government has worked hard to overcome difficulties, maintain macroeconomic stability and promote economic reform. At the same time, Sudan's economic situation is still very grim, water and electricity supply is in serious shortage, and people's livelihood is in short supply. In June, the INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund announced that Sudan had reached the decision point of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. The international community, developed countries in particular, should earnestly honor their commitments on debt relief, support the development of Sudan's infrastructure, agriculture and other key areas, help popularize education and eradicate poverty, and eliminate the root causes of conflict so as to lay a solid foundation for lasting peace in Sudan.

At the same time, I would like to emphasize that security Council resolution 2562 calls for clear and feasible benchmarks for adjusting sanctions against Sudan. At present, the situation in Sudan, especially in darfur, has improved significantly. It is the general trend of The Times to lift sanctions as soon as possible. Relevant benchmarks set by the Security Council should be clear, realistic, feasible and in line with Sudan's national conditions. China is ready to play a constructive role in this regard.

Sudan is at a critical stage of transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding. At last week's open debate of the Security Council, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pointed out that peacekeeping operations can help put a country on the right track, but lasting peace requires the joint efforts of all parties involved in the country. The Sudanese authorities should continue to play a leading role and all parties concerned should remain united. China is ready to work with other parties of the international community to step up assistance and support for Sudan to achieve lasting peace and development.

Thank you, Madam President.