China regrets UNSC Syria sanctions draft fails to address legitimate concerns

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday regretted the U.S. push for a vote by the Security Council on a draft resolution over sanctions against the Syrian interim leader, arguing that the draft resolution adjusting sanctions related to Syria fails to address the legitimate concerns of the parties concerned.

The Security Council on Thursday voted to adopt Resolution 2799 to remove Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and interim interior minister Anas Khattab from the Islamic State and al-Qaida sanctions list. China abstained from the voting.

In an explanation of the vote, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said that on adjusting the Security Council's sanctions related to Syria, China's position has been "loud and clear from the very beginning."

"We are of the view that the Security Council should take into full account the counter-terrorism and security situation in Syria, the complex potential impact that may be brought by the adjustments, and the long-term interests and actual needs of Syria, to properly address the legitimate concerns of all parties and make prudent decisions based on careful study," Fu said.

Regrettably, the draft failed to embody the above principles and spirit, he said, adding that "China therefore had to abstain from the voting."

Noting that China had actively participated in Security Council consultations on the draft, Fu said that together with some members, China expressed legitimate concerns, particularly with regard to foreign terrorist fighters in Syria, and put forward many constructive amendment proposals.

However, the United States, as the sponsor, did not fully heed the views of all members and forced the council to take action even when there were huge differences among council members, in an attempt to serve its own political agenda. China expresses its regret, Fu said.

At present, Syria is undergoing a political transition and is faced with a fragile security situation and the arduous task of counter-terrorism. Numerous foreign terrorist fighters have exploited this situation to their advantage, seriously threatening the peace and security of Syria, the region and beyond, said Fu.

"Fighting against terrorism is the basis for Syria's national reconstruction. Any action taken by the Council on Syria should take into full account the counter-terrorism situation and should contribute to the achievement of the Council's objectives on counter-terrorism. Any support and assistance provided to Syria should not undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the Council's sanctions regime," Fu said.

The resolution just adopted reaffirms the council's counter-terrorism requirements and makes it clear that Syria should fulfill its commitments in this regard, take decisive measures to prevent terrorist acts, and address the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, including East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) members in Syria, Fu said, adding that the Syrian transitional government should fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations, take practical measures to make substantive progress, and win the trust of the international community.

At present, more than 160 entities and over 430 individuals are still on the Islamic State and al-Qaida sanctions list, and restrictive measures such as travel bans, asset freezes and arms embargoes are still in effect.

All countries are obligated to strictly implement the Security Council's sanctions resolutions, and prevent all designated entities and individuals, including the ETIM, from obtaining funds, weapons and any other types of support, directly or indirectly, from outside and posing a threat to the security of other countries, Fu said. ■