China calls for balance in Afghanistan

Li Baodong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said here Thursday that all aspects in Afghanistan's peace reconstruction need to be pursued in a balanced manner.

Li made the statement while addressing a Security Council open meeting on the situation in Afghanistan.

At present, Afghanistan's peace reconstruction has achieved positive results. The building of Afghan national security force is progressing smoothly, which lays a sound foundation for comprehensive takeover of security and defense responsibility. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is actively developing economy and improving people's livelihood, he said.

According to Li, security and stability, political process, economic development and national reconciliation are all important aspects in Afghanistan's national reconstruction, which need to be pursued with balance.

"We support Afghanistan's efforts to enhance ability to develop and raise government's capacity," he said.

To continue to push forward Afghanistan's political and national reconciliation process is conducive to early realization of the country's long-term security and stability, and create favorable conditions for economic and social development, Li said.

The Chinese envoy stressed that the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan by parties concerned should give full consideration to the need of maintaining security and stability in the country.

"China is seriously concerned about the continuous Afghan civilian's casualties, especially about the report on death and casualties of women and children in air attacks," he said.

The ambassador called for continued support and help from the international community for Afghanistan's reconstruction and development.

"The international community is committed to providing 16 billion U.S. dollars financial assistance to Afghanistan by 2015. This should turn into actual deeds as soon as possible," he said.

In addition, China firmly supports greater cooperation among countries in the region over Afghanistan issue on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, he added.