Mr. President, 

China has always maintained that the Security Council in adopting sanctions measures should give due consideration to the latest development of the situation in the country concerned, so as to help consolidate the positive momentum and promote the political process. At present, Somalia has made continuous strides towards national reconstruction and has progressively increased its security capacity. The government has formulated and updated the Somalia Transition Plan, demonstrating its willingness and determination to independently assume responsibility for security and take ownership of its own destiny. Under such circumstances, the Security Council should, based upon the request of the Somali government, gradually make modifications on arms embargo measures against Somalia in order to assist the Government to enhance its security capacity and restore the state of authority. 

It is regrettable that the resolution does not contain sufficient adjustments required in pursuit of above mentioned objectives, and is unable to effectively address the concerns of the Somali government. At the same time, there is an expansion of some new mandates, which is inconsistent with the general direction of lifting the arms embargo on Somalia. Somalia has also on multiple occasions expressed its concerns about the security risks faced by the personnel and institutions as a result of the leakage of financial information. On this point, the resolution has been unable to properly address the issue. Given the foregoing, China had no choice but to abstain in the vote. 

As always, China participated in the conduct consultations on the draft resolution constructively showing maximum flexibility and commitment to find consensus on the text. The Security Council had an opportunity to reach consensus on text, but unfortunately, this was not realized in the end. It is also the third consecutive year in which the council has been unable to reach agreement on the resolution to extensive sanctions measures on Somalia. It is our hope that all members can and will make their best efforts to achieve consensus.

Thank you, Mr. President.