Chinese envoy to the United Nations on Monday called for adhering to the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned principle in advancing the political reconciliation process in that country.
At the UN Security Council briefing on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, said there are still differences among parties in the country, stalling the political process and presaging a long and arduous way towards national unity.
Geng also emphasized the importance of continuously promoting political dialogue.
It is hoped that the secretary-general will expeditiously appoint a new special representative for Libya in accordance with the Security Council resolution, and after fully consulting relevant parties provide more good offices in support of bridging the differences among parties in Libya, said Geng.
China supports African solutions to African problems, and welcomes a greater role of the African Union in resolving the Libyan issue, he said.
China is deeply concerned about the highly volatile situation in western Libya and clashes among armed groups over territory, said Geng, calling on all Libyan parties to put the interests of the country and its people first, continue to implement the ceasefire agreement, refrain from any unilateral actions that undermine stability, and maintain the hard-won easing of the situation.
The problem of refugees and illegal migrants is a persistent challenge in Libya, said Geng, calling on the international community for closer cooperation and greater support for Libya to prevent the interaction and synergism of various risk factors.
"The Libyan issue has dragged on for over a decade, the reason of which is worthy of our deep reflection. It has been proven that external interference and imposed solutions cannot bring peace. China hopes that all parties will respect Libya's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, adhere to the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned principle in advancing the political reconciliation process, and jointly make tangible efforts to bring Libya back to the right track of peace and development at an early date," said Geng.
Chinese envoy calls for adhering to Libyan-led, Libyan-owned principle in advancing political reconciliation
