China welcomes UN decision to end sanctions against Cote d'Ivoire

China welcomes the United Nations Security Council's decision to lift all sanctions against Cote d'Ivoire, said a Chinese envoy Thursday.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks after a resolution was adopted by the 15-member UN body on the African country, terminating a 12-year arms embargo and other measures.

"In recent years, the situation in Cote d'Ivoire has remained stable, through joint efforts from its government and the international community," said Liu, noting that progress has been made in political dialogue, security, disarmament, accountability and other areas.

The council's decision to terminate all sanctions is significant in that it shows that the international community fully approves the peace process in Cote d'Ivoire, he said.

It also has important meaning for the council in dealing with other hotspot issues in Africa, he added.

China hopes that African countries still under the council's sanctions can de-escalate tensions, make progress in their own peace processes and return to stability so as to have the sanctions lifted as soon as possible, Liu said.

The envoy also stressed that sanctions is not a purpose. "The council should timely adjust the measures or end sanctions according to the situation on the ground, so as to create favorable conditions for peacebuilding and economic development in those countries involved," he said. Endi