China calls for global support in Libya reconstruction


Xinhua, September 21, 2011

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Tuesday that China will continue its support to the Libyan people on their efforts in conducting reconstruction and promoting development.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi gives a speech during the UN high-level meeting on Libya in New York, the United States, Sept. 20, 2011. [Xinhua]

He made the remarks at a high-level meeting on Libya, convened by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the sidelines of the annual General Debate of the 193-nation Assembly.

Yang said that the high-level meeting in discussing major issues in post-war Libya transition and rebuilding was of special significance, and that China congratulated Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) on exercising the representation at the Assembly.

He said that the Chinese side respects the choice of the Libyan people, recognizes the NTC as the ruling authority of Libya and the representative of the Libyan people and would like to work with it to push for the smooth transition and development of China- Libya relations.

Yang offered in his speech China's four suggestions in handling the Libyan issue. First, respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Libya, and maintain bilateral ties on the basis of mutual respect and benefit.

Second, launch an inclusive political process at an early date, safeguard Libyan ethnic solidarity and national unity, and put the reconstruction of Libya back on track. Third, the global community should support Libya reconstruction. China has already provided humanitarian support to Libya and will carry out further support in the near future.

Fourth, China supports the leading role of the Security Council, while other countries, international mechanisms and international conferences should also play a supplementary role under the guidance of the UN Charter and the newly-adopted Resolution 2009 to help Libya in its post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

The UN high-level meeting on Libya gathered participants from over 60 countries and regional groups, including U.S. President Barack Obama and Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) Chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil and other heads of state and government.