Hu calls for immediate Libya cease-fire

Sanya, Hainan - China called for an immediate cease-fire in Libya to prevent an even worse humanitarian crisis in the country, President Hu Jintao told visiting South African President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday during their meeting prior to the BRICS Summit, which opens on Thursday.

Hu extended a sincere welcome to South Africa on its joining the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) group, and said that its participation would not only benefit South Africa but also Africa as a whole.

Returning to Libya, Hu said that China is very concerned with the continuing turmoil in the country and the humanitarian crisis there.