Chinese envoy calls for political settlement of Ukraine issue

UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese envoy to the United Nations Monday called for a political settlement of the Ukrainian issue by fully considering its complex historical factors and realities.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, said in an open debate of the Security Council on the issue of Ukraine that China condemns recent violent attacks against civilians and is concerned about the escalation of conflicts and confrontations in Ukraine.

"What is most urgent now is for all parties to stay calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of conflicts and confrontations, to cease fire and stop violence in eastern Ukraine and to implement comprehensively the Minsk Agreement reached last September," he stated.

China calls on all relevant parties to make greater efforts and bring to full play the role of Normandy and Minsk mediation mechanisms, noted Liu.

"We hope that through inclusive political dialogue and on the basis of accommodating the legitimate interests of all parties, it will be possible to reach a comprehensive, balanced and lasting political settlement as soon as possible," he said.

The situation in eastern Ukraine worsened in the last few days, resulting in a serious loss of civilian lives and properties.

According to UN statistics, at least 12 died when their trolleybus was hit by rockets in Donetsk last Saturday, and another 10 died on the same day in Horlivka, while a "barrage of attacks" by multi-launch rocket systems hit the city of Mariupol.

The attacks occurred after the UN Security Council held an open debate last week on the issue of Ukraine, with relevant member states calling on all parties to take effective measures to avoid escalation of conflicts and confrontations.