China calls for comprehensive solution to Libyan issue

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called for efforts toward a comprehensive solution to the Libyan issue.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said that recently, Libya has made notable progress in its political process, with a significant increase in oil and gas export revenues; at the same time, the country continues to face challenges, including unresolved fundamental political differences, rising localized security risks, and persistent macroeconomic pressures.

The international community must pursue a multi-track approach and work toward a comprehensive, integrated and fundamental solution to the Libyan issue, he told the Security Council, adding that sincere dialogue is needed to break the political deadlock.

Noting that the United Nations has recently worked actively to advance the political roadmap, he said the Libyan parties concerned should fully recognize that the division of state institutions and repeated postponement of elections are detrimental to the country's long-term development and the vital interests of the Libyan people.

China is deeply concerned about recent violent clashes in the country and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and cease all violent attacks, said the envoy.

China calls on all parties, with the support of the United Nations, to intensify consultations, bridge their differences, and reach agreement as soon as possible on the relevant matters set out in the roadmap, thereby paving the way for national elections, he said.

As a good friend of Libya, China stands ready to continue working with the international community to make greater contributions to advancing a political settlement of the Libyan issue and promoting lasting peace and stability in Libya, Fu said.

The United Nations should continue to play a central role in mediating the Libyan issue, and efforts by countries outside the region should uphold the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned principle, and fully respect Libya's national conditions and the will of its people, he added.