Chinese envoy urges international community to push for Lebanese-Israeli cea...

UNITED NATIONS, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Wednesday urged the international community to make joint efforts to push for a Lebanese-Israeli ceasefire as soon as possible.

In remarks on the Lebanese-Israeli situation at a dedicated UN Security Council briefing, Fu said the current escalation of fighting in the Middle East is spreading, and the situation between Lebanon and Israel has also sharply intensified.

"The continuation of hostility serves the interests of no party," he said, urging the international community to pool its efforts to promote peace and de-escalate the tensions as soon as possible, to restore peace and stability in the region.

Noting that Lebanon's Hezbollah group and Israel have continued to exchange fire recently, Fu emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire to end the fighting.

The ambassador noted that Israel has launched intense attacks on towns in southern Lebanon and on Beirut, and expanded its military control over southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of more than 570 people, including a large number of women and children. "The protection of civilians in armed conflict is a red line in international law," he said.

"China condemns any attacks against civilians and diplomatic personnel," he said, calling on all parties to cease hostilities, promote de-escalation and fulfill their obligations under international law, in particular, international humanitarian law.

"Israel should immediately withdraw its troops from Lebanon," Fu said.

China welcomes the positive statement by the Lebanese government expressing its commitment to ending the conflict, and supports safeguarding Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, he said.

"The heavy shelling has dealt a severe blow to Lebanon's security and stability. More than 700,000 people have been displaced and the already difficult humanitarian situation has further deteriorated," Fu said on the situation in Lebanon.

"The international community should increase assistance to Lebanon and support the Lebanese Government in stabilizing the domestic situation and ensuring the basic livelihood of the people," he noted.

Meanwhile, the Chinese ambassador voiced the hope that "all parties in Lebanon will actively engage in political dialogue and properly resolve their differences."

In his remarks, Fu strongly condemned the attack against the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on March 6, which injured three peacekeepers.

"Any deliberate attack on UN peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Security Council Resolution 1701, and must be firmly opposed and held accountable," he said, urging all parties to ensure the safety and freedom of movement of UNIFIL personnel.

"China stands ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to calm the situation between Lebanon and Israel and to restore peace and stability in Lebanon and the Middle East region," he said.