United Nations, March 31 (Reporter Ji Li) Sun Lei, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, addressed the emergency open meeting of the Security Council on the Israel-Lebanon situation on March 31, calling on the international community to take urgent action to apply the brakes before the conflict spirals further out of control and restore peace and stability in the region at an early date.
Sun Lei said that the current situation in the Middle East has intensified and spillover effects continue to spread. The top priority is to actively promote peace talks, seize opportunities for peace, and bring an end to the fighting. Achieving a ceasefire and ending hostilities is the most pressing task. Israel's recent announcement to expand its ground operations in Lebanon and enlarge the so-called "buffer zone" has raised grave concerns over the dangerous trend of the conflict becoming further protracted and escalated. Lebanon must not become another Gaza, and the international community must never allow the tragedy in Gaza to be repeated. China calls on the parties concerned to immediately cease hostilities and de-escalate the situation. Israel should immediately withdraw all its troops from Lebanon and respect Lebanon's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
Sun Lei noted that the current situation has dealt a severe blow to Lebanon's domestic political, economic and humanitarian conditions. Supporting Lebanon's domestic stability is of paramount importance. China welcomes the efforts of the Lebanese government to strengthen state governance and supports all Lebanese parties in actively engaging in political dialogue to properly resolve differences. The international community should increase emergency assistance to Lebanon to support the Lebanese government in stabilizing the domestic situation, ensuring basic livelihoods and alleviating humanitarian challenges.
Sun Lei pointed out that the security of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a red line that must not be challenged. Recently, UNIFIL's security has been repeatedly affected by cross-fire, with two deadly attacks killing three peacekeepers and injuring many others. China strongly condemns the attacks against UNIFIL, and urges the parties concerned to take concrete measures to ensure the safety and freedom of movement of UNIFIL personnel, and conduct thorough investigations into all attacks on peacekeepers and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Sun Lei stated that China has always supported safeguarding Lebanon's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and stands ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to help de-escalate the Israel-Lebanon situation and restore peace and stability in Lebanon and the Middle East.
(Responsible editor: Hu Rong)
