ecological degradation leads to poverty, aggravating the problem of development.

Some Western countries maintain that the Darfur issue should be resolved by imposing UN sanctions and deploying UN peacekeeping forces. If these approaches were adopted, what would be the consequences?

The international community has reached a broad consensus on the Darfur issue. The two-track strategy that underlines the peacekeeping operation and the political process has won widespread approval. As most of the political movements in Darfur are still not brought into the peace process, the peacekeeping forces of the UN and the AU will face a severe security situation once they are deployed. Today, no governments are talking about imposing UN sanctions on Sudan on public occasions. Instead, they focus on speeding up the political process, implementing the hybrid operation and improving the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur. If we do not concentrate on its development and reconstruction, the situation will eventually get out of control. We should create more opportunity for peace and resolve the issue of Darfur mainly through diplomatic efforts.

China supports the leading role of the AU and the UN in resolving the issue of Darfur. Why?

A strong message we have sent is that the AU and the UN are the main channel through which to resolve the Darfur issue. The Sudanese Government, for its part, welcomes negotiations with the rebels at any time and place. Facts have proven that the three-party mechanism is an efficient mechanism. Last November 16, a high-level consultation was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, among the three parties. They reached an agreement in principle that the Sudanese Government would accept the Annan Plan, despite some reservations on the composition and the commanding power of the peacekeeping forces. The three parties convened again on July 12 this year. As the AU and the UN clarified the plan for the Sudanese Government, it finally accepted the plan unconditionally.

A large number of initiatives have been put forward on the Darfur issue. Various organizations in many countries are vowing to serve as mediators. Their uncoordinated initiatives can only complicate the problem. The main channel should be the AU and the UN.

China helped build water projects, schools and hospitals in Darfur. The Sudanese Government has applauded these efforts. What further steps will China take to support Darfur's reconstruction and development?

The Chinese Government has sent agricultural experts to conduct feasibility studies in Sudan to establish an agricultural technology demonstration center. In terms of infrastructure development, more Chinese companies are going to Sudan to build roads and bridges and dig wells. We are also considering sending medical teams to Darfur. During his visit to China in July, Sudanese First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit exchanged views with Chinese leaders on the development and reconstruction of south Sudan, toward which China adopted a positive attitude. We have offered Sudan a lot of assistance while maintaining cooperative relations with the country. On this basis, we will play an even bigger role and provide substantial assistance to Sudan in its development and reconstruction.

Some media outlets and non-governmental organizations link Darfur with the Beijing Olympics, using this issue to pressure China. What's behind this?

It is unreasonable to link the issue of Darfur with the Beijing Olympics. One of their absurd theories is that China supports "genocide," because it cooperates with Sudan in the field of oil exploration. They believe that they can force the Chinese Government to change its position if they boycott the Olympics. Some media organizations intentionally mislead their audience with a Cold War mentality and are reluctant to tell the audience about China's positive role in Darfur. As a matter of fact, attempts to link the issue of Darfur to the Olympics run counter to the basic principle of the non-politicization of the Olympics.

Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir declared 2007 as the Year of Peace in Darfur on July 22. How do you assess the prospects for peace in Darfur?

We hope President Bashir's declaration can come true. This year has witnessed progress in both the peacekeeping operation and the political process. The progress is attributed to the joint efforts of the international community and the sincerity and flexibility of the Sudanese Government.

Of course, China has made its contribution as well. Envoys on the Darfur issue from different parties told me that China plays an irreplaceable role in Darfur. With its friendly cooperation with the Sudanese Government, China has been able to play a unique role in the Darfur issue. We use our influence instead of exerting pressure. We try to persuade instead of resorting to threats and sanctions. In fact, Sudan's acceptance of the third phase of the Annan Plan on June 12 is partly attributable to China's efforts. As a friend of Sudan, we persuaded the Sudanese Government by telling it that the hybrid operation serves the interests of Sudan. We hope to see peace and prosperity in Sudan. China's interests in the Darfur issue are no different from those of Sudan and the international community at large. If there is peace, all countries will be able to cooperate with Sudan.

Despite the progress, we should not be too optimistic. The road to peace is still bumpy. As we move toward the right direction, we hope the international community can put the welfare of the people in Darfur first and refrain from any moves that may complicate the situation. Deterioration of the situation in Darfur is not in the interests of Sudan, Africa or the international community, including Western countries and China. The international community share common interests in this issue. So, we should work together while transcending ideological differences.