I have listened carefully to the briefing by Prosecutor Karim Khan. I welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya to today’s meeting.

With regard to the work of the International Criminal Court in Libya, China’s position is consistent and clear. The cases currently being handled by the ICC was submitted in 2011. We hope that, in its specific work, the Court will continue to strictly follow the principle of complementarity as set out in the Rome Statute, respected the judicial sovereignty of the countries concerned their reasonable views, and maintain close communication and cooperation with the Libyan authorities.

Peace and stability in Libya is a prerequisite for ensuring judicial justice. At present, promoting the political transition is a priority for the international community and the United Nations within their work in Libya. We must adhere to the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned principle, respect the will of the Libyan people, and avoid externally imposed solutions. The work by the ICC should help promote the political and peace process in Libya and should help the Libyan parties strengthen unity and build consensus, while avoiding amplifying their contentions and differences.

In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that China supports maintaining international peace and security through pursuing accountability for the most serious international crimes. In the face of major crises and challenges that are of great concerns to the international community, China hopes that the ICC will apply international law in an equal and uniform manner and avoid double standards and exceptionalism.

I thank you.