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Letter to the Editor, Irish Examiner, 25th September 2006
A true measure of the Irish government's commitment
to conflict resolution in our aid programme is their effort in Darfur
as pointed out in your editorial headlined 'Government must act
on Darfur crisis' (Irish Examiner, September 19).
A decision to cease trade with China, one of Sudan's
strongest allies, would not only show solidarity with Darfur's vulnerable
people, but would also leave the Chinese in no doubt about this
country's abhorrence of their attitude.
China has lucrative oil ties with Sudan and, along with Russia,
refused to vote for the recent UN resolution to send in peacekeepers.
China is the largest customer for Sudan's rapidly growing oil exports,
which account for more than half of the country's revenues - as
well as being a major investor in the petroleum industry there.
China's thirst for Sudan's oil is implicating the country in genocide.
Khartoum has rejected a UN plan to send peacekeeping troops to
Darfur to replace the largely ineffective African Union force whose
mandate expires at the end of this month. British Prime Minister
Tony Blair and US President George W Bush have been trying to persuade
China to use its influence to change Sudanese President Omar Bashir's
mind and allow in the UN peacekeepers.
The Irish Government's rhetorical backing for anti-genocide protests
staged around the world last Sunday falls short of what is required
in this violent region.
Our Government must extend any political leverage they have by
immediately ending trading links with the permanent UN security
council member.
John O'Shea |
