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)