According to a message on the website of the Chinese Mission to the United Nations on November 6, Ambassador Fu Cong, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made an explanatory statement after the Security Council voted on the draft resolution adjusting sanctions related to Syria, expressing regret that the resolution did not address the reasonable concerns of the relevant parties.

On the local time of November 6, the Security Council passed Resolution 2799, deciding to remove Ahmed al-Sarraj, the leader of the Syrian regime, and Anas al-Hattab, head of the internal affairs department of the Syrian regime, from the lists of sanctions against "Islamic State" and "Al-Qaeda". The draft resolution, drafted by the United States, received 14 votes in favor. China cast a veto vote.

The full text of Ambassador Fu Cong's speech is as follows:

Mr. Chairman:

China has always been committed to developing friendly relations with all the people of Syria, respecting the people of Syria's choice of their country's future, and supporting the international community in helping Syria restore peace and stability as soon as possible, so that the people of Syria can live with dignity.

Regarding the adjustment of sanctions related to Syria in the Security Council, China's position has been clear from the beginning. We believe that the Security Council should fully consider the counter-terrorism and security situation in Syria, the complex impacts that such adjustments may bring, balance the long-term interests and practical needs of Syria, and properly respond to the reasonable concerns of the relevant parties, making decisions prudently after careful study. It is regrettable that the resolution draft just put to a vote did not reflect these principles and spirit, and China had no choice but to cast a veto vote.

Over the past period, Security Council members have conducted multiple rounds of consultations on the draft resolution. In the spirit of responsibility towards Syria and its people, China has actively participated in the consultation process, and together with many members, expressed reasonable concerns about the counter-terrorism issue, especially the issue of foreign terrorist fighters stationed in Syria, and put forward many constructive suggestions for amendments. However, the proposer did not fully listen to the opinions of all parties, and pushed forward the action of the Security Council for its own political agenda despite the significant differences among the members, which China regrets.

Mr. Chairman,

Currently, Syria is in a stage of political transition, with a fragile security situation and a difficult counter-terrorism task. A large number of foreign terrorist fighters have taken advantage of the chaos to grow stronger, seriously threatening Syria, the region, and international peace and security. Combating terrorism is the foundation for Syria to carry out national reconstruction. Any action taken by the Security Council on the issue of Syria should fully take into account the counter-terrorism situation and help achieve the Security Council's goals on counter-terrorism. Any support and assistance provided to Syria should not weaken the integrity and effectiveness of the Security Council's sanctions mechanism.

The recently adopted resolution reiterates the Security Council's requirements on counter-terrorism, clearly stating that Syria should fulfill its counter-terrorism commitments, take decisive actions, combat terrorist acts, and address the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, including those of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) stationed in Syria. In this regard, the transitional government of Syria should fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations, take concrete measures, make substantial progress, and gain the trust of the international community.

At present, the 1267 Sanctions Committee list still includes more than 80 entities and over 250 individuals, and the travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes against them remain effective. Countries have the responsibility to maintain the authority of the Security Council and strictly implement the Security Council's sanctions resolutions, preventing all organizations and individuals still listed, including ETIM, from directly or indirectly obtaining funds, weapons, and other forms of support from external sources, which could threaten the security of other countries.

Mr. Chairman,

As an important country in the Middle East, the evolution of the situation in Syria affects the peace and stability of the region. The Security Council needs to closely monitor the situation in Syria and take necessary actions in a timely manner according to the development of the situation, promoting the situation in Syria to move in the right direction. China is willing to work with the international community to continue playing a constructive role in helping Syria achieve security, stability, and development as soon as possible.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7569798689661649427/

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