(Photo by Li Muzi, Xinhua News Agency)

Thanks to the common efforts of the Government of Côte d'Ivoire and the international community, the situation in Côte d'Ivoire has remained stable of late. Comprehensive progress has been achieved in such areas as political dialogue, national reconciliation, security sector reform, demobilization and the fight against impunity. The reconstruction of the country and economic development have begun on a good footing. China appreciates the efforts of the Government and people of Côte d'Ivoire to maintain peace and stability. We congratulate that country on its achievements and wish it every success in attaining prosperity and wealth at an early date.

China welcomes the comprehensive lifting of sanctions against Côte d'Ivoire by the Security Council. That is of great significance, as it represents the international community's due recognition of Côte d'Ivoire's achievements in the peace process and development. It is an example that the Council can refer to when dealing with other African hotspot issues. At present, some African countries are still subject to Council sanctions. China hopes that these countries and the international community can engage in common efforts to push for the speedy relaxation of the situation, achieve progress in their respective political processes, and embark as soon as possible down the path towards stability, development and the comprehensive and speedy lifting of sanctions.

Sanctions are not an end in themselves. The Council should keep itself abreast of the progress being made and, in keeping with developments in the countries concerned, adjust and eventually lift sanction measures in a timely manner so as to create conditions that are conducive to the peace building and the development of economies.