(March 30, 2011) 

China voted in favour of resolution 1975 (2011), which was just adopted.

China is seriously concerned at the continuing deterioration in the security situationin Côte d’Ivoire.

We call on all Ivorian parties to immediately cease all violence and armed confrontations, and to seek to settle their differences through dialogue and consultations.

We believe that the crisis caused by the electionsin Côte d’Ivoire must be addressed through peaceful means. We appreciate and support the efforts made by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States to find a political settlement to the crisis. We call on all Ivorian parties to show active and comprehensive cooperation.

China’s position regarding the InternationalCriminal Court remains unchanged.

China always believes that United Nationspeacekeeping operations should strictly abide by theprinciple of neutrality. We hope that the United NationsOperation in Côte d’Ivoire will fulfil its mandate in a strict and comprehensive manner, help to peacefully settle the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire and avoid becoming a party to the conflict.