China urges ending of conflict in Great Lakes region

The countries in the Great Lakes region should resolve regional disputes and conflict so as to achieve long-term peace and development, a Chinese envoy to the United Nations said Thursday.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN told a Security Council meeting that "peace and development in the Great Lakes region is presented with an important opportunity."

China hopes all parties will "show determination, garner consensus, implement their commitments in their good faith, resolve once for all regional disputes and conflicts and embark at an early date on the path of lasting peace and sustainable development," said Wang.

As to the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region signed by 11 African nations in February, Wang said that "it is crucial to keep up with the positive momentum of fully implementing the framework agreement."

The urgent task now is full cessation of hostilities and restoring stability in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC), he said, calling on armed groups to conclude agreements with DRC government on ending violence.

"DRC armed forces should assume the primary responsibility for safeguarding national security and protecting civilians," he noted.

Wang said that cooperation through dialogue and rebuilding of mutual trust is vital for restoring peace and stability in the region.

China hopes that the UN will work with the African Union, the International Conference on Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and other regional mechanisms and push parties towards honoring their commitment to the framework agreement, said Wang, adding that "we also hope that the one billion-U.S.D. pledge of the World Bank to the region will be quickly disbursed to support the regional countries in developing national economies, improving people's livelihood and achieving lasting peace."

"China remains Africa's all-weather friend and partner. We will be steadfast in supporting the African states in their efforts to safeguard sovereignty and resolve African issues by themselves."

"For many years, China has been participating in the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC and has made unremitting efforts towards maintaining security and stability in the country. We are ready to work with the regional countries and the international community in contributing positively to freeing the people of the Great Lakes region from sufferings inflicted by war and conflict and achieving peace, stability and development at an early date," concluded Wang.