Colleagues,

I have listened attentively to the briefing by Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan. I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya at today’s meeting.

Since the Security Council referred the situation in Libya to the ICC pursuant to Resolution 1970, the Court has been conducting investigations into relevant cases. Currently, the situation in Libya remains complex and fragile, and the Court’s related work continues to attract international attention. I wish to make the following three points.

First, the Court should always carry out its work in an objective and impartial manner. China takes note of the Court’s recent work regarding evidence collection, investigation, and judicial proceedings, and calls on the Court to continue fulfilling its mandate in strict accordance with facts and law and ensure that relevant procedures align with the fundamental principles of international criminal justice. Objectivity and consistency are important bases from which the credibility of the Court and the international criminal justice derives. We hope that the Court will heed the legitimate concerns of all sides, take concrete actions to elevate international trust in its work, and effectively guard against selective application and double standards.

Second, the Court should fully respect the judicial sovereignty of the states concerned. The principle of complementarity established by the Rome Statute is a cornerstone of the international criminal justice system, and the primacy of national jurisdiction must be fully respected by all. In recent years, Libya has been working to restore its judicial system and advance relevant proceedings. These efforts deserve full recognition by the international community. The Court must continue to respect Libya’s judicial sovereignty, strengthen communication and coordination with the Libyan authorities, properly handle the relationship between international and domestic justice, and garner greater understanding and support from the Libyan people.

Third, all parties should create favorable conditions for peace and stability in Libya. In light of the current political impasse in Libya, the international community should collectively engage with relevant Libyan parties, encouraging them to address their differences through dialogue and consultation, participate in UN-led mediation in good faith, and build consensus on holding national elections and unifying institutions. Any work undertaken by the Court should serve to strengthen intra-Libyan unity, instead of amplifying divisions and tensions. The international community should continue to support Libya in building up its judicial and other capacities and improving its governance. States from outside the region should refrain from undue interference that could inflict fresh shocks upon Libya’s peace and stability.

Colleagues,

For the Libyan people, who have endured years of turmoil, peace, stability, and development cannot come soon enough. At this critical juncture, the Council should work with greater solidarity, forge consensus, uphold the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned principle, and provide Libya with more constructive support. China will work with all parties to firmly support Libya’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. China stands committed to playing a constructive role for the early realization of national unity and lasting peace in Libya.