Q: On February 17, the Sudanese Government and the opposition movement, Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) signed an agreement of good will and confidence-building for the settlement of the Darfur issue. Do you have any comment?

A: The signing of the agreement between the Sudanese government and the JEM in Doha, Qatar is another important step forward for the political resolution of the Darfur issue. China welcomes the progress and commends the positive efforts made by Qatar, the Joint United Nations- African Union Chief Mediator Djibrill Bassole and other parties. We hope the parties concerned and the international community would make further efforts to achieve substantial progress in the political process in Darfur at an early date, and reach a comprehensive and proper settlement of the Darfur issue.