China urges int'l help with Afghan national reconciliation process

UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese envoy to the United Nations on Monday called on the international community to steadily push forward the Afghan national reconciliation process.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the appeal at a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan where a resolution was approved to extend the mandate of the UN mission in the country for another year until March 17, 2016.

"Achieving broad-based and inclusive reconciliation which is 'Afghan-led and Afghan-owned' is the correct direction for Afghanistan's progress towards national unity, harmony and lasting peace," Wang said.

China believes that with international assistance, the government and people of Afghanistan will be able to achieve the harmonious coexistence of all ethnic groups, he said, expressing China's willingness to play a constructive role and provide necessary assistance for the Afghan reconciliation process in a timely manner.

"This year marks the start of Afghanistan's transition decade," Wang said. "With its political, economic and social development entering a new stage, the government and people of Afghanistan certainly will assume greater responsibilities in national construction and economic and social development."

The envoy called on the international community to actively adapt to the new reality that the Afghan government and people will play a leading role in the country's economic and social development, give them full confidence and support, and actively support them in their capacity building in all areas in order to jointly build an Afghanistan that enjoys self-esteem, self-improvement and self-reliance.

Wang also pointed out that economic development is the "basis and guarantee" of Afghanistan's lasting peace and stability.

"China welcomes and appreciates the development strategy meticulously crafted by the new government in line with its own national conditions to accelerate economic development," he said.