UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called for more international efforts toward the political settlement of Sudan and South Sudan's disputes over Abyei.

China welcomes the continued rapprochement between Sudan and South Sudan. The two countries have demonstrated their willingness to resolve the final status of Abyei and have each appointed a chief administrator for the area, said Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

The Security Council should fully respect the leadership of Sudan and South Sudan on the Abyei issue, and encourage the two parties to engage in closer consultation and direct dialogue, he told a council meeting.

The international community should support the mediation efforts of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, as well as other regional and sub-regional organizations, and help Sudan and South Sudan establish administrative, judicial, and security institutions in Abyei, he said.

China is concerned about the ongoing intercommunal clashes in Abyei, and hopes that all parties concerned will refrain from taking action that may intensify tensions. China urges all local communities to promote intercommunal consultations and dialogue between traditional leaders with the support of the United Nations, said Dai.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already grim humanitarian situation in Abyei. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and hundreds of thousands are in need of humanitarian assistance. The international community should provide targeted aid to help Sudan and South Sudan alleviate the situation, he said.

The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is an important actor for the maintenance of peace and stability in Abyei and plays an indispensable role in the political settlement of the Abyei issue. China supports UNISFA's role and calls on the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to facilitate the delivery of UNISFA's mandate. The mission should maintain close communication with the two governments and enhance mutual trust. China supports the extension of UNISFA's mandate as recommended by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, he said. Enditem

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