Madam Vice-President：

China has been following closely the developments in Ethiopia. We support Ethiopia’s efforts in maintaining national sovereignty and unity, sincerely hope that all relevant parties will put the interests of the country and its people first, keep calm, exercise restraint in an effort to avoid further escalation of the situation, and strive to resolve conflict and differences through political dialogue, so as to create conditions for peace and reconciliation.

The current situation in Ethiopia is the result of a combination of political, historical, ethnic and other factors, the solutions of which can only be found from within. China always supports African solutions to African issues. We welcome the political good offices of High Representative Obasanjo. At the same time, the international community should provide constructive support to Ethiopia.

The Human Rights Council should work on the basis of the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity. Despite opposition of Ethiopia and without paying due respect to the good offices of African countries, some countries force the Human Rights Council to hold this special session, and propose to set up country-specific mechanisms on Ethiopia. This is an attempt to interfere in Ethiopia’s internal affairs and undermine Ethiopia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It will only intensify the tension and make resolving Ethiopia issue even more complicated. This runs counter to the principles of the Human Rights Council. We express serious concern over such behaviors conducted by relevant countries, and urge them to immediately stop wrongful acts.

China believes that the people of Ethiopia have the ability and wisdom to overcome the current challenges, maintain national unity, and bring the country back on the right track of peace, stability, development and revitalization. China stands ready to work with the international community to continue to support the efforts of the people of Ethiopia.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President.