Envoy: International effort needed to resolve issues in Libya

A Chinese envoy to the United Nations said that the international community must work toward a comprehensive and fundamental solution to the issues facing Libya and its long-delayed elections.

"Sincere dialogue is needed to break the political deadlock," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said at a Security Council briefing on Libya on Tuesday.

Elections in Libya, originally scheduled for December 2011 after the downfall of former Libyan leader Muammar Gadaffi, have been continuously postponed due to fractures in government institutions that have triggered ongoing conflict over legitimacy and authority.

"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," Fu said.

"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.

The UN-recognized Government of National Unity based in the capital Tripoli has resisted efforts to replace it, while a rival authority based in the east of the country, backed by the House of Representatives and the Libyan National Army, has been pushing for a unified interim executive.

Fu said that the United Nations Support Mission in Libya should maintain dialogue between the major political forces in Libya.

"The United Nations should continue to play a central role in mediating the Libyan issue. 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," Fu said.

The ceasefire between the parties needs to be preserved, Fu said, despite recent outbreaks of violence and targeted drone attacks on oil refineries.

"This not only threatens the safety of civilians, but could also disrupt energy supplies and affect people's lives and livelihoods. China is deeply concerned about these developments. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and cease all violent attacks. We support the Libyan authorities in investigating the relevant attacks and holding those responsible accountable," Fu said.

"Civilian safety and the security of critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, must be effectively protected. The 2020 ceasefire agreement remains an important foundation for maintaining Libya's overall stability. The parties in eastern and western Libya should fully implement the agreement, strengthen dialogue, consolidate mutual trust, and advance the unification of military and security institutions of the eastern and western sides," he said.

Public governance must be improved to enhance people's well-being, Fu said, adding that the country continues to face significant challenges, including fiscal deficits, inflation and fuel shortages, which are detrimental to sound economic development and lasting social stability.

"Libya stands at a critical crossroads. The international community should genuinely respect Libya's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, uphold objectivity and impartiality, step up mediation and good offices, and play a constructive role with a genuine commitment to Libya's peace, stability and the well-being of its people. 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.

shiguang@chinadailyusa.com