Chinese envoy urges int'l community to help Libya in cessation of conflict

Source: Xinhua| 2019-09-05 03:03:40|Editor: Shi Yinglun
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UN-SECURITY COUNCIL-LIBYA

Photo taken on Sept. 4, 2019 shows the United Nations Security Council holding a meeting on the situation in Libya, at the UN headquarters in New York. Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, on Wednesday called on the international community to take effective measures to help Libya in the cessation of current conflict and resumption of political dialogue. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on the international community to take effective measures to help Libya in the cessation of current conflict and resumption of political dialogue.

The situation in Libya has been in turmoil for eight years, from which the Libyan people have endured great suffering, and the security and humanitarian situation in the surrounding regions has been deteriorating, Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told a Security Council meeting on the situation concerning Libya.

Wu urged the international community to play a constructive role in seeking a solution to the question of Libya.

It is imperative to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Libya, he added.

Security Council resolutions must be strictly implemented, Wu said, adding that countries with influence should do their best to promote peace negotiations and push the parties concerned to cease conflict and resume dialogue.

It is important to adhere to the Libyan-led and Libya-owned political process, said the Chinese envoy. "China commends the relevant parties in Libya for honoring the commitment of truce during Eid al-Adha festivities."

"All parties must build upon this, bear in mind the overarching interests of Libya and its people, further build mutual trust, and seek solutions through dialogue and consultation, with a view to ultimately achieving lasting peace, prosperity, and stability in the country," the envoy said.

Wu added the question of sanctions must be properly addressed.

Under the current circumstances, it is important to strictly implement the arms embargo to Libya, he said. "At the same time, the purpose of the sanctions is to facilitate political settlement. It is necessary to prevent negative impact on Libyan civilians and a third country caused by sanctions in other fields."

There should be no jeopardizing the national interests of Libya and the normal life and humanitarian needs of its people, he added.

The Chinese envoy called on the sanctions committee, its secretary, and the expert panel to strictly comply with the mandate from Security Council resolutions and work impartially.

China supports the Libyan people in the pursuit for peace and stability. On the question of Libya, China has been impartial and has played a constructive role in seeking a political settlement, said Wu.

China will join hands with the international community and actively contribute to restoring peace and stability in Libya, he said.

The UN has been attempting to broker a truce in fighting which erupted following a major assault in April on the southern outskirts of the capital Tripoli by the forces of the Libyan National Army (LNA) and forces loyal to the UN-backed government of national accord.

Three UN workers were killed last month in a car bomb attack in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.

Libya has been struggling to make a democratic transition amid insecurity and chaos ever since the fall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

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