Libya: UN envoy briefs top Chinese official on efforts to resolve crisis

The United Nations special envoy for Libya today briefed China’s Foreign Minister on his efforts to broker a political solution to the crisis in the North African country and expressed his satisfaction with Beijing’s support for his mission and UN efforts to find a settlement.

Abdel-Elah Al-Khatib, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, who has been on a two-day visit to Beijing, updated Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on his recent discussions with representatives of both parties during his visits last week to Tripoli and Benghazi.

Mr. Khatib also briefed Mr. Jiechi on his talks with the Chairman of the Ad Hoc High Committee of the African Union for Libya and other regional groups, which are aimed at enhancing international cooperation and unifying all efforts towards ending the crisis in a manner consistent with the legitimate aspirations of the people of Libya.

Mr. Khatib said Mr. Jiechi had expressed China’s support for the lead role played by the UN to find a political solution and to strengthen cooperation between the UN and regional organizations towards that goal.

Libya has been engulfed by fighting since a pro-democracy movement opposed to the regime of Muammar al-Qadhafi emerged in February following similar protests in Tunisia, Egypt and other countries across North Africa and the Middle East.