I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Sidikou and Assistant Secretary-General Zerihoun for their briefings.

The political process in the Democratic Republic of Congo is at a critical junction. President Kabila and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo are committed to advancing national dialogue, safeguarding State stability and promoting economic and social development, which China welcomes.

In the meantime, the security situation in the country remains quite fragile. The achievement of lasting peace, prosperity and development is an arduous task and has a long way to go. It therefore needs continued support from the international community. The Council visited the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola in early November, which reflects the importance that the Security Council attaches to the issue of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. China would like to make the following observations on this issue.

First, resolutely promote the political process in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the relevant opposition parties have signed a political agreement that covers the election schedule, the establishment of a political transition, and appointed a new Prime Minister. China welcomes those developments. We call on the opposition parties that are not yet part of the national dialogue to sign onto the political agreement as soon as possible, resolve their differences through dialogue and dedicate themselves to the peace, stability and development of the country. The international community should respect the development path independently chosen by the Democratic Republic of Congo and, on the basis of respecting the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo, provide constructive assistance to the political process.

Secondly, vigorously promote security and stability in the country. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the Democratic Republic of Congo national army has made positive headway in their fight against armed groups. Countries in the Great Lakes region are interdependent; their security is closely connected. China encourages countries in the region to continue with the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Region. Furthermore, to make more progress in the implementation of the Nairobi Declaration and in their response to the threat posed by armed groups.

Thirdly, the roles of regional and subregional organizations should have full play. The African Union (AU) has played an important role in facilitating national dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) held a high-level meeting on the topic and issued a communiqué, which demonstrates the support of countries in the region for a political settlement of the problem. The United Nations should give full play to the comparative advantages of regional and subregional organizations, such as the AU and ICGLR, thereby strengthening coordination and cooperation with each other with a view to creating synergy. China appreciates and supports the positive role of MONUSCO in promoting peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo and advancing the political process, and implementing disarmament and demobilization.

The Chinese Government has always supported the peace process of the Democratic Republic of Congo and, over the years, has provided assistance to its nation-building efforts within its capacity. We have also sent peacekeepers to MONUSCO. Along with the broader international community, China stands ready to continue our constructive role in the realization of peace, stability and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.