September 1, 2011, Paris

Distinguished President Sarkozy and Prime Minister Cameron,
Ladies and gentlemen,

China has been closely watching the development of the Libyan situation and always upholds the settlement of the Libyan crisis through political means. China believes that parties concerned abide by the purpose and principles of the United Nations Charter and norms of relevant international laws to solve the crisis through such political means as dialogue and negotiations and avoid worse humanitarian disasters. The Libyan situation has entered a new stage, but there are still many uncertain factors. It is in no way easy to realize peace and stability in Libya and the task of post-war reconstruction remains arduous. China respects the choice of the Libyan people, highly recognizes the important status and role of the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) which China has stayed in close touch with and provided humanitarian assistance for. We have also invited the top officials of the NTC to China. The fact that I attend this conference representing the Chinese government itself reflects China's position and I will meet with the head of the NTC tomorrow. We sincerely hope that Libya completes the transition of regime at an early date. The future regime should take effective measures to gather all the domestic forces together for political and economic reconstruction in order to make the Libyan people live stably and happily soon.

It is significant that we have this international conference on Libya today in Paris to discuss Libya's political transition and economic reconstruction. China would like to raise the following propositions in response to the current Libyan situation:

First, Libya's stability should be restored as soon as possible. A stable Libya serves the interest of all the Libyan people and the international community. We hope that Libya will end the domestic conflicts and restore social order as quickly as possible.

Second, the process of inclusive political transition should be started. The future political arrangement of Libya should take into full account the interest and demands of different parties, tribes and areas and Libya's ethnic solidarity and national unification should be maintained to the maximum extent.

Third, the choice of the Libyan people should be respected. The international community should truly respect Libya's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and let the Libyan people decide their future and their fate.

Fourth, the United Nations should be supported to play a leading role in the post-war arrangement of Libya. China supports the leading role of the United Nations to coordinate and cooperate with the African Union, Arab League and Islamic Conference Organization to help Libya restore stability and rebuild the country.

Thank you.