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Statement by Ambassador WU Haitao at the Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East

2018-01-05 23:36

Mr. President,

At the outset, China congratulates Kazakhstan on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month and welcomes the new members of the Security Council.

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun for his briefing.

The topic on today’s agenda is the situation of the Middle East. I wish to express China’s principled position on this item. Recent developments in certain parts of the Middle East are worrying. Some countries are going through wars and conflicts; hotspot issues are complicated, intertwined and influence one another; terrorist forces are rampant and spreading — all of which pose serious challenges to international peace and security. China hopes that countries of the region will work concertedly with the international community to improve the situation in the Middle East as quickly as possible and seek a fundamental solution to achieve regional peace, stability and development.

First, we call for a political solution to the hotspot issues in the region. All sides should play constructive roles and persistently promote dialogue and consultation to reach a sustainable solution that takes into account the interests of all relevant parties. Secondly, we should resolutely combat terrorism, while applying uniform standards and employing all means possible to eliminate the root causes that breed terrorism. Thirdly, the purpose and principles of the Charter of the United Nations should be applied, and the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries of the region should be respected. Fourthly, the countries of the region should be encouraged to strengthen dialogue, deepen understanding and build trust.

The question of Palestine is at the core of the situation in the Middle East. The international community should adhere to the two-State solution, work to resume the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue as swiftly as possible. The international community should seek a political solution to the situation in Syria as a matter of priority, continue to support the United Nations as the main channel for mediation and promote a comprehensive, just and careful resolution of the situation in Syrian as soon as possible.

Mr. President,

Pursuant to the Charter of the United Nations, the Council bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The Security Council, therefore, should not discuss the internal affairs of any country, nor is it the venue for any discussion of national human rights situation.

China took note of the recent domestic developments in Iran. China hopes and believes that, with the efforts of the Iranian Government and its people, Iran will remain stable and achieve development. The Iranian situation does not pose any threat to international peace and security, nor is it on the agenda of the Security Council. The Council’s discussion of the domestic situation of Iran is a practice that is not in line with the Council’s mandate as outlined in the Charter of the United Nations, nor does it help resolve the domestic issues within Iran.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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