According to a statement released on October 31 by the website of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, on the same day, Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong made an explanatory statement after the Security Council voted on the resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). He expressed regret that the resolution did not adequately balance and take into account the concerns of all parties.

According to public information, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2797 on the same day, deciding to extend the mandate of MINURSO for one year, until October 31, 2026. The draft resolution was passed with 11 votes in favor, 0 against, and 3 abstentions. China, Russia, and Pakistan cast abstentions. Algeria did not participate in the vote.

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

Mr. President:

For many years, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara has conscientiously fulfilled its mandate as authorized by the Security Council, making positive contributions in monitoring the ceasefire, clearing landmines, and protecting civilians, creating favorable conditions for a political solution. China supports the extension of the mission's mandate for one year, and hopes that all relevant parties will continue to strengthen communication and cooperation with the mission to ensure its performance of duties.

During the consultations on the draft resolution, many Security Council members, including China, put forward many constructive suggestions, hoping that the text would be more balanced and fair, and respect the reasonable concerns of the relevant parties to the Western Sahara issue and all members of the Security Council.

Unfortunately, the resolution did not fully balance and take into account the concerns of all parties, nor did it objectively reflect all initiatives. Therefore, China had no choice but to cast an abstention vote. We hope that the drafting country will promote the Security Council's consultation in a constructive manner in the future, striving to achieve broader consensus.

Mr. President, China's position on the Western Sahara issue has always been consistent and clear. We have always believed that political settlement is the fundamental way out of the Western Sahara issue, the United Nations is the main channel, the relevant resolutions of the Security Council are an important foundation, and dialogue and negotiation are the correct approach. We look forward to the relevant parties reaching a just, lasting, and acceptable political solution through equal negotiations, ensuring that the people of Western Sahara can exercise self-determination under arrangements consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China looks forward to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General continuing to strengthen mediation, transforming the current positive momentum into concrete diplomatic achievements, and promoting the political process to make more progress.

Thank you.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7567649430183100980/

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