A Chinese envoy stressed on Monday that a ceasefire is the fundamental step toward alleviating the bleak humanitarian situation in conflict-ridden Sudan.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Sudan at the UN headquarters in New York, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said the conflict in the African country has lasted for 20 months.
As the fighting rages on, civilian casualties are mounting, the number of displaced people is on the rise, and problems such as food shortages and the frequent outbreak of infectious diseases are worsening, Geng said, calling on the international community to step up humanitarian aid to the country and avoid politicizing humanitarian issues while addressing the root causes of the crisis.
"We must actively address the root causes of the problem. The prolonged conflict is the main cause of the food crisis, as highlighted in the [Famine Review Committee's latest] food security report. This shows once again that a ceasefire is the essential pathway to alleviating the humanitarian situation," said Geng.
"China called on all parties involved in the conflict to implement relevant Security Council resolutions, work towards de-escalating tensions, resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure from harm, ensure the safety of humanitarian workers, and avoid crossing the bottom line of international humanitarian law," said the Chinese envoy.
Geng urged the international community to jointly push for a political solution based on full respect for Sudan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and help Sudan restore peace as soon as possible.
Geng said China remains committed to providing support within its capacity and working with the international community to play a constructive role in the early restoration of peace and stability in Sudan.
The armed conflict in Sudan broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, 2023.
Ceasefire essential to ease humanitarian crisis in Sudan: Chinese envoy
Ceasefire essential to ease humanitarian crisis in Sudan: Chinese envoy
Ceasefire essential to ease humanitarian crisis in Sudan: Chinese envoy
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
