UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy said Thursday that China supports the United Nations Security Council to adjust relevant sanctions on the Central African Republic (CAR) in line with the changing situation.
"When the CAR situation is turning for the better, China supports the Council, in looking at the situations on the ground, and the will and need of the CAR, to adjust relevant sanctions," Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the UN, told a Security Council meeting on the CAR situation.
"Imposing sanctions on the CAR is aimed at bringing back national stability, and law and order to the country at an early date," the envoy said, adding that "the priority at this moment is to assist it in achieving peace and reconciliation."
"The Council must stay united and provide conditions for the CAR situation to turn for the better," he added.
The Global Peace Agreement in the CAR, signed by the CAR Government and 14 armed groups in Bangui on Feb. 6, was the major focus of the day's meeting.
"All parties must honor their commitments under the agreement, translate the political will into real actions, and effectively promote the peace and recognition process of the CAR," said the Chinese ambassador.
"Regional countries and the international community must provide support for the implementation of the agreement," he said.
Noting that the long-term peace and stability of the CAR would not be possible without sustained support from the UN, the African Union, regional countries, and international partners, Ma said that "all parties must increase coordination with the CAR Government, respect its leadership, and on the basis of the evolving situation and the needs on the ground, provide tailored support."
The Security Council on Jan. 31 unanimously voted for the extension of the arms embargo against the CAR for a year. It decided to extend its sanctions regime on the country - including an arms embargo, travel ban and assets freeze - until Jan. 31, 2020.
The Security Council noted, however, if the CAR government meets the key benchmarks by Sept. 30 this year, the Council will reconvene to ease the arms embargo measures.
