Remarks by Ambassador Dai Bing at Security Council Open VTC on CAR |
2021-02-24 10:28 |
Mr. President, I would like to thank USG Lacroix, Managing Director Laranjinha of European External Action Service, and Director Ekomo-Soignet of youth-led peacebuilding organization, URU, for the briefings. I would like to stress the following four points: First, hostilities and violence must stop as soon as possible. Since the general election at the end of last year, violent conflicts have continued with mounting insecurity. This has severely impacted national stability and people's safety. China is deeply concerned about this. We call on all parties concerned to proceed from the development of the country and well-being of the people, end the conflict and violence as soon as possible, and refrain from any action that might escalate tensions. This month marks the second anniversary of the signing of the peace agreement. This agreement is vital to maintaining peace and stability in CAR and cannot be abandoned halfway. All parties in the country must continue to abide by and implement the agreement and resolve differences that might arise in the implementation process through dialogue with a view to restoring stability and order at an early date. Second, we must support MINUSCA in performing its duties. MINUSCA has played an important role in maintaining peace and stability in CAR, ensuring the smooth holding of the general election. In light of the development on the ground and for the sake of CAR's lasting peace and security, the Council should consider the efforts of regional organizations in an integrated manner, ensure the Mission's top level planning, and equip it with commensurate resources. In the final analysis, CAR needs to rely on its own to achieve lasting peace and stability. The international community should support the CAR government in strengthening the building and management of security forces and help them improve their capability to maintain stability independently. China reiterates that the Council should lift the arms embargo on CAR at an early date. Third, regional mediation efforts should be encouraged. Regional organizations such as the AU, ECCAS, and ICGLR have been actively promoting the political process in the country. Leaders of regional countries have been vigorously engaged in good offices, for which China registers its appreciation. We always support African solutions to African problems by Africans themselves. We support the AU and sub-regional organizations in continuing to play an important role. The UN should enhance coordination with regional organizations to form synergy. Fourth, it is imperative to ensure people's livelihood. CAR faces multiple challenges such as turbulent security situation and the COVID-19 pandemic. At present, the country is in serious economic difficulties. 2.8 million people need humanitarian assistance, more than 1.3 million people cannot return to their homes, and nearly 100,000 of them have fallen back into poverty. Poverty and underdevelopment are the root causes of persistent conflict and violence in CAR. The new government must strive to restore the economy, improve people's livelihood and meet the people's aspiration for development and a peaceful life. The international community must step up its assistance to the country and, when the security situation stabilizes, increase cooperation in areas such as agricultural development, infrastructure building, and energy and mineral resources exploration, so as to help the country eliminate poverty, promote development, and remove the root causes of violent conflict. China will work with the international community to continue to contribute to peace and development in CAR. Thank you, Mr. President. |