(January 25, 2011) 

I would like to thank the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Legal Issues related to Piracy off the Cost of Somalia, Mr. Jack Lang, for his briefing. I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Stephen Mathias for his briefing and the representative of Somalia for his statement.

At the present time, the Somali peace process is facing multiple challenges. The security situation leaves no room for optimism. Piracy remains rampant. To address the issue of Somalia, we must treat both the root causes and the symptoms. The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the international community must adopt a holistic strategy to promote, in parallel, work in the political, security, economic, development and humanitarian areas. China has consistently supported the TFG and the implementation of the Djibouti Peace Agreement. We welcome the new Cabinet established not long ago by the TFG. We hope that the TFG will continue to

work for national reconciliation, a stronger security sector and a speedy completion of the tasks that remain in the transitional period. China supports the African Union Mission in Somalia and is in favour of the United Nations playing a greater role in addressing the Somali issue. The international community must respond actively to the appeals by Somalia and the African Union by providing more assistance to Somalia.

China is of the view that the effective prosecution and imprisonment of perpetrators of acts of piracy form an important link in combating piracy in Somalia. The Special Adviser has put forward in his report (see S/2011/30) 25 proposals on combating Somali piracy more vigorously. The proposals are wide-ranging in content. As a follow-up to the Secretary-General’s report issued last July (S/2010/394), the report will serve as an important reference for all parties to identify gaps that hinder the effective prosecution and imprisonment of Somali pirates, as well as to explore feasible solutions. The report warrants further study.

The United Nations Convention on the Law ofthe Sea and other relevant international instruments provide a basic legal framework for States to exercise jurisdiction and engage in judicial cooperation against piracy. China supports the international community on the basis of the existing international legal framework

and the relevant Security Council resolutions instrengthening international cooperation on the prosecution and imprisonment of Somali pirates.

China appreciates the work of various countries in that regard, especially by coastal States.Strengthening the judicial capacity of coastal States will be critical in prosecuting and imprisoning Somali pirates. China supports efforts towards strengthening the judicial capacity of coastal States and calls upon the international community to continue to provide necessary assistance to coastal States. Moreover, China also welcomes various feasible programmes conducive to the prosecution and imprisonment of Somali pirates.