Mr. President,

I thank Special Representative Bintou Keita for her briefing. China will continue to support your work and the work of MONUSCO. I have also listened attentively to the statement made by Ms. Sandrine Lusamba. I welcome the presence of the permanent representatives of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda at this meeting.

As as SRSG Keita has pointed out, the DRC is at a critical stage in advancing its political process and maintaining security and stability. A peaceful, stable and developing DRC is in the shared interest of the countries in the region and the international community. I wish to underscore the following points.

First, the general elections in the DRC are just around the corner. China appreciates the tremendous efforts made by the DRC Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission in preparation of the elections. China is confident that the government and people of the DRC are able to hold peaceful elections that will give new impetus to the country's long-term stability. The general elections are the internal affairs of the DRC. The international community should fully respect the DRC’s sovereignty and ownership, encourage all parties in the region to settle differences through dialogue and consultation, and avoid interfering in the DRC’s internal affairs.

Second, the security situation in eastern DRC remains grave, marked by continued attacks by armed groups such as M23, resulting in casualties and displacement. China supports the FARDC and MONUSCO in carrying out joint operations, and urges M23 and other armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and violence and withdraw from the territories they occupy. The situation in eastern DRC bears on the overall security of the region. The international community should support the Nairobi process and the Luanda process and support the countries concerned in resolving their differences through dialogue and consultation. China encourages Special Envoy XIA Huang and SRSG Keita to provide more support to regional political process and foster synergies. China supports regional organizations in carrying out peacekeeping operations and hopes that regional countries will strengthen coordination with the DRC in order to safeguard common security of the region.

Third, China welcomes the signing of the comprehensive disengagement plan by the DRC Government and the MONUSCO agreeing on the phased drawdown and withdrawal of MONUSCO. The Security Council is now discussing a resolution on the renewal of MONUSCO’s mandate. China hopes that the Council will follow the comprehensive disengagement plan, attach importance to the views of the DRC, and define sound transitional arrangements for MONUSCO. MONUSCO’s upcoming transition should feature proper handover of tasks to the DRC Government, which will be conducive to the maintenance of security and stability in the areas from which it withdraws. Efforts should be made to ensure a safe and orderly transition of MONUSCO and guarantee the safety of UN peacekeepers and assets.

Thank you, Mr. President.