China on Monday welcomed the Darfur peace deal signed between the Sudanese government and a main rebel faction in Sudan's western region of Darfur.

 

"The peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Sudan Liberation Movement faction is a major step in resolving the Darfur issue by political means, and China welcomes the agreement," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao said on Monday.

 

Liu also appreciated the unremitting efforts made by the African Union (AU), African countries and other parties concerned.

 

"China would like to work with the international community for the peace of the Darfur region at an early date," Liu said.

 

On Friday, the Sudanese government and the Sudan Liberation Movement faction led by Minni Arkou Minawi signed the peace agreement in the Nigerian capital Abuja at a ceremony attended by Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, AU Chairman Denis Sassou-Nguessou and AU Commission President Alpha Oumar Konare as well as mediators from the United States, Britain, Canada, Libya, Egypt and other countries.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2006)