China said Wednesday it welcomed the peace deal reached between the Sudanese government and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).

The deal "is an important part of the process for a political solution of the Darfur issue. China welcomes it and appreciates the positive efforts made by Qatar and the African Union-United Nations Joint Chief Mediator Djibrill Bassole," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu said.

Jiang urged the parties and the international community to make further efforts to promote the political process in Darfur to achieve substantial progress as soon as possible and reach a comprehensive, appropriate solution.

The Sudanese government and the JEM signed Tuesday an agreement of goodwill and confidence-building for the settlement of the problem in Darfur in Doha, Qatar, under the auspices of the government of Qatar and Djibrill Bassole.

The agreement included measures to aid and protect refugees in Darfur and a commitment by both sides to continue negotiations in Doha.

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2009)