China 'trying to block publication of UN Darfur report'

A yet to be released UN Darfur report claims that Chinese bullets have been used against Darfur peacekeepers. The report is currently being discussed by a UN committee which monitors sanctions against Sudan. The Chinese are trying to stop the release of the report on the grounds that it is vaguely worded and full of flaws. A Chinese diplomat, Zhao Baogang, said that the report "lacks confirmed facts" and that "no evidence is given" for its actuality. China, which has strong ties with Sudan, has the right to sell munitions to Khartoum as long as they are not being used in Darfur. An estimated number of about 300,000 people have died and 2.6 million have been displaced since the rebels took up arms in Darfur in 2003.

By Szymon Kesek