China calls for int’l community’s firm support to Afghan peace

Monitoring Desk

KABUL: China calls on the international community to give firm support for the “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned” reconciliation process, according to Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday.

“Afghanistan is at a critical moment; the country will see potential dawn of peace, while facing the buildup of risks and challenges. Pursuing peace requires more courage than stoking conflict. We appeal to all parties in Afghanistan to set store by the greater good of the country and the people, seize the major opportunity for political reconciliation, settle differences through dialogue, beat swords into plowshares, and join hands to push open the door to peace,” Wang said as he addressed a press conference on the sidelines of China’s annual legislative session, the National People’s Congress (NPC).

“We call on the international community to give firm support for the Afghan-led, Afghan-owned reconciliation process, and play a constructive role from the sidelines to build a momentum for dialogue,” Wang said.

He noted there is no “vacuum” in Afghanistan that needs to be filled because that land belongs to the people of Afghanistan, adding 2019 marks the centenary of Afghanistan’s independence.

“We sincerely hope that this country, after suffering from so much hardship, will have a rebirth, take destiny into its own hands from now on, and enjoy genuine independence and lasting peace,” the State Councilor said.

“Afghanistan should not again become an arena of great power rivalry, nor should it be subject to incessant conflicts or wars. As Afghanistan’s neighbor and friend, China will respect its people’s wishes and needs, continue to do its best for pushing forward reconciliation and reconstruction in Afghanistan,” he added.

The annual legislative session of the 13th NPC, China’s top legislature, opened earlier Tuesday. It is one of the commonly known annual “two sessions” in China, which focus on major national-level political and socio-economic development issues. The other one refers to the second session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference – the top political advisory body, which began on Sunday. The two sessions normally last about two weeks. (TOLOnews)