Ambassador cautions Chinese about safety in Sudan

KHARTOUM - Chinese Ambassador in Khartoum Luo Xiaoguang has urged Chinese nationals in Sudan to exercise caution and adopt necessary measures to preserve their safety.

"On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Khartoum I remind all the Chinese citizens who are visiting or performing activities in Sudan to exercise caution for their security," said Luo in an interview with Xinhua Thursday.

"Every Chinese citizen who is staying in Sudan for a long time should have his contact information registered at the embassy, so that we can provide them with assistance when needed," he added.

The Chinese ambassador's remarks came one day after the release of four Chinese workers who were kidnapped on January 12 by armed rebels in Sudan's Darfur region.

Sudan's Darfur region and South Kordofan and Blue Nile states have been witnessing deteriorating security conditions due to clashes between the Sudanese army and anti-government armed groups. The armed rebels on occasion targeted international humanitarian workers and foreign personnel to increase pressure on the government.

Luo praised the joint efforts made by the Chinese embassy in Khartoum and concerned Sudanese authorities for the release of the Chinese workers, adding that "despite the release of the Chinese workers, there are 11 Sudanese workers who were kidnapped with the four Chinese workers still in captivity. The Chinese embassy will provide necessary assistance for the concerned Sudanese authorities to release the Sudanese workers quickly and safely."