China said on Wednesday that the attempts of some people to
boycott the Beijing Olympic Games as a protest against its policy
on the Darfur issue are doomed to fail.
People who harbor such attempts are "either ignorant or
ill-natured", Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun told a briefing
Wednesday afternoon, a day after he concluded a four-day visit to
Sudan as special envoy of the Chinese government.
"These people's remarks run against the spirit of the Olympics
and the universally accepted principle of non-politicalization of
sport, and their attempts challenge the will of the people in the
world," he said, adding he believes the Games will be a great
success next year.
Zhai also said he does not think China's reputation will be
marred because of the Darfur issue or its good relationship with
Sudan.
He said China keeps fairly positioned in international affairs
and always plays a positive role.
It was because of China's crucial role that Sudan accepted in
principle the peace plan over the Darfur issue put forward by
former UN chief Kofi Annan, he said.
During his stay in Sudan, Zhai held meetings with Sudanese
President Omer al-Bashir and high-ranking government officials. He
also paid a one-day visit to Darfur, touring three refugee
camps.
Zhai's trip was China's latest efforts to seek a peaceful
solution to the Darfur issue.
"China will continue to play a constructive role in helping
resolve the Darfur issue," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2007)