CAIRO -China has described as positive a recent Egyptian proposal to Sudanese sides to have a confederation as a crucial referendum is set for next January. “Such positive proposals can help solve the Sudanese problem,” said Chinese Ambassador in Egypt Song Aiguo. “The Chinese government believes in the necessity of maintaining stability and peace in Sudan and the region. We support all efforts for this,” he added in remarks to The Gazette, Al- Ahram and the official Middle East News Agency (MENA). Egyptian Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abul Gheit had disclosed on Wednesday that Cairo had proposed a confederation for Sudan, elaborating that the northern and southern parts of the country could have two armies and embassies in each other. The Sudanese partners have asked for some time to study the Egyptian proposal, added the Egyptian official, who admitted Sudanese wariness about the proposal. Sudanese southerners are due to vote on January 9 on whether to remain part of the homeland or to break away. “We call for dialogue between the north and south in Sudan. We urge the UN to play a role in resolving the Sudanese issue,” said Ambassador Song Aiguo through an interpreter. “At the same time, we think it is important to respect the will of the Sudanese people and the neighbouring countries.” Aigu arrived in Cairo last month to serve as China's envoy and representative to the Arab League. His previous post was Director General of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
