Mr.president,

The current political and security situation in the Central African Republic is generally getting better. The CAR government is committed to implementing the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and is actively making progress in the implementation of the benchmarks for the arms embargo assessment. China commends these efforts.

China has always believed that sanctions are not an end in themselves,, but rather the means to the end, which is to help the CAR restore national stability and normal social order at an early date. The Security Council should base itself on the actual situation on the ground in the CAR, especially the aspirations of the CAR government, and lift the arms embargo sanction measures against the CAR at an early date. This will help the CAR government enhance its capability to maintain national safety and security and facilitate the political settlement of the CAR issue.

China wishes to thank France, the pen holder, for its efforts. However, the draft resolution failed to fully respect the wishes of the CAR government regarding lifting the arms embargo, nor did it reflect the constructive ideas of some members of the Security Council, therefore, China had no choice but to abstain.

Thank you Mr. President.

(UN PHOTO)