Chinese government's special representative for Darfur, Liu Guijin, Wednesday called on the international community to make joint efforts to find an " adequate, just and sustainable" solution to the Darfur crisis, saying that China has been ready for "sincere cooperation" to improve the situation in the troubled region.

There are no fundamental differences between the policy that has been adopted by China and the position of Western countries over the issue of Darfur, the Chinese special envoy said during a press briefing.

"The difference is rather based on methods and priorities," said the envoy after conducting successive visits to Sudan and Chad.

"China is ready for sincere cooperation and is not seeking to enter into a confrontation with the West" in the search for peace and stability in the Sudanese region within the shortest time possible, Liu said, nevertheless expressing opposition to " arbitrary sanctions and embargoes that can only worsen the situation."

Affirming that Western countries had "significant influence over the Sudanese rebel movements," the Chinese envoy called on the countries to "speak with a single voice" so as to send a clear message to the rebel groups to return to the negotiating table.

In addition, Liu called on Western countries to adopt a more objective and balanced attitude and establish "at least the minimum level of trust" with the legitimate Sudanese government in order to pave the way for negotiations on the basis of equality.

Regarding the deployment of a joint United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur, Liu noted that even after resolving most of the outstanding issues, the mission's work is still greatly hampered by the lack of helicopters and transport vehicles.

The Chinese envoy called on increased efforts by the international community in order to facilitate the rapid deployment of the peacekeeping force.

(Xinhua News Agency March 6, 2008)