Wu Haitao (C, front), China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, addresses a Security Council meeting on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan, at the UN headquarters in New York, April 17, 2019. A Chinese envoy said Wednesday that it is imperative to continue to advance the political and peace processes in Darfur of Sudan. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy said Wednesday that it is imperative to continue to advance the political and peace processes in Darfur of Sudan.

"At present, Darfur is at a key juncture, transitioning from peacekeeping to peacebuilding. The international community should continue to advance relevant political and peace processes in a bid to achieve steady and smooth transition," Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council meeting on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan.

"All parties should continue to exercise restraint, avoid use of force, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in Darfur," he said.

"Some opposition and armed groups should abandon military solution in real earnest, actively participate in the peace process, resolve their tensions and differences politically through dialogue and consultation," the Chinese envoy said.

Speaking of the humanitarian situation, the Chinese ambassador said, "It is necessary to continue to provide humanitarian assistance and economic support, as the humanitarian situation in Darfur is still challenging."

"The foundation for economic and social development is still weak," he added. "These factors will affect the long-term peace and stability of Darfur. The international community should continue to honor its commitment by actively providing humanitarian assistance and economic support."

"The current focus should be on helping with the return and settlement of Sudanese internally-displaced persons (IDPs), building and improving local infrastructure, and improving the agricultural development," he added.

Wu expressed China's appreciation of the necessary support of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and other relevant bodies for Sudan's reconstruction and development.

"China commends UNAMID's (AU/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur) contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability in Darfur and supports its continued activities according to the mandate, to ensure the implementation of the mandated priorities," the Chinese envoy said.

"China hopes the UN Secretariat and African Union can keep in close contact and conduct full and objective assessment of issues such as the implementation of UNAMID's transitional plan and Darfur's transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding, so as to provide timely and feasible suggestions to the Security Council," he added.

The Chinese envoy stressed that the international community should respect the decisions made by the Sudanese people themselves and adhere to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

"Along with the wide international community, China stands ready to jointly play a constructive role in promoting stability and development of Sudan and Darfur.

The briefing took place less than one week after the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir on April 11 by the Sudanese military following protests in many parts of the country calling for al-Bashir, who had ruled Sudan for nearly three decades, to step down.

On April 11, Sudan's Defense Minister, General Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf, appeared on state television and announced the military's detention of al-Bashir, the suspension of the constitution, and the start of a two-year transitional period to be overseen by the military and followed by elections. A three-month state of emergency was also declared in the country.