Foreign and Military Affairs

Hu urges immediate ceasefire in Libya

By Wu Jiao (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-03-30 19:47

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 30, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Hu Jintao urged an immediate ceasefire in the Libya battleground, and resort to peaceful means in order to avoid more civilian casualties.

Hu made the remarks while meeting French President Nicolas Sarkozy who arrived Wednesday afternoon in Beijing to attend a seminar on the international monetary system due on March 31 in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu province.

Related readings:  China urges ceasefire in Libya  Controversy remains after Obama's defending on Libya actions  Thousands of refugees gather near border of Libya, Egypt  Endgame unknown for US mission in Libya: experts

France is the forerunner of the western-led coalition force that embattled Libya.

Hu said the UN Security Council passed a resolution concerning the Libya issue with the intention of stopping violence and protecting civilians,

However, if the military action has brought disasters to the civilians and created crisis, then it runs contrary to the original intention of the UN Security Council.

Hu reiterated that China opposes the use of military forces.

"History had repeatedly proved that the use of force was no answer to problems, but would only make them more complicated," said Hu.

"Dialogue and other peaceful means are the ultimate solutions to problems."

Hu said some countries and global organizations have raised a number of constructive advices on solving the Libya humanitarian crisis, and urged related sides to react actively to these advices.

"Let's open a gate to peace. This is in line with the interest of every party involved," said Hu.