Chinese envoy calls for intl support for Libya migrant refugee issue

A Chinese envoy on Tuesday urged European countries to "address the issue of migrant refugees with an open and inclusive mindset, and to protect the right to life and human rights of migrant refugees."

Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks during an open briefing of Security Council concerning the situation in Libya.

Pointing out the many tragic cases of migrants on the coast of Libya in recent years, Dai said that the international community should provide constructive support to Libya, improve the management of migrant refugees and increase humanitarian assistance.

The envoy emphasized the urgency for all parties in Libya to "resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation, and promote progress in the political process."

Noting the Arab League's conference in March which encouraged Libyan parties to explore the establishment of a technical committee and the formation of a unified government, Dai said, "The Libyan parties have continued to engage in dialogue on the electoral process and have reached consensus." 

China supports the efforts of Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to Libya Abdoulaye Bathily, and hopes that the UN Support Mission in Libya will play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and consultation, he said.

Noting that Libyan parties had reiterated their opposition to external interference in their nation's politics during the Arab League meeting on Libya, Dai called on the international community to listen to the voices and concerns of the Libyan parties, respect their sovereignty and territorial integrity, and avoid imposing external solutions.

"China calls on external forces and mercenaries to leave Libya as soon as possible in a smooth and orderly manner," he said.

Dai said that the security situation in Libya remains complex and grave, and appealed for restraint, communication and mutual trust within the framework of the "5+5" Joint Military Commission, to safeguard the hard-won peace.

(Cover: The headquarters of the UN in New York, September 21, 2020. /CFP)