UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on the international community to help the Central African Republic (CAR) improve the security situation in the country and boost economic development.

The situation in the CAR is at a critical juncture after the conclusion of general elections. The country has entered a new stage of development but faces many challenges, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

The Constitutional Court has just announced the final results of the elections. China congratulates President Faustin-Archange Touadera on his re-election. China believes that, with the help of the international community, the people and government of the CAR will make greater strides on the road to national development, he told the Security Council.

China calls on all parties concerned to put the interests of their country and people first, respect the final decision of the Constitutional Court, abide by the peace agreement, renounce violence, and resolve disputes peacefully within the national legal framework, he said.

Zhang called for efforts to support the CAR in improving its security capabilities.

The country is facing a daunting task in safeguarding national sovereignty and security and protecting its people. The international community should vigorously support the CAR government in building its security forces so that they can assume the primary responsibility of maintaining stability and managing borders as soon as possible, he said.

In light of the situation on the ground and the strong wishes expressed by the government, the Security Council should lift the arms embargo at an early date and create more favorable conditions for improving the country's security capacities and promoting a political settlement to the CAR issue, said Zhang.

At the same time, there must be support for the UN peacekeeping mission in the CAR to continue to implement its mandate effectively, he said.

The mission, known as MINUSCA, has played a critical role in supporting the legitimate government of the CAR and ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections. China highly commends its efforts, he said.

China supports the temporary strengthening of the mission's military capacity through inter-mission cooperation based on the situation on the ground so that MINUSCA would have sufficient resources to implement its mandate.

Recently, MINUSCA was under attack multiple times, resulting in the unfortunate killing of peacekeepers from various countries. It is imperative to effectively strengthen security measures to ensure the safety of peacekeepers, he said.

Zhang called on the international community to step up assistance and development cooperation with the CAR.

The active participation of its people in general elections reflects their aspiration for national development and happy and stable life. The international community should increase assistance to the CAR and support its efforts in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, the restoration of the economy, and the improvement of people's livelihoods, so that infrastructure development can be further advanced after the security situation is stabilized, said Zhang.

Energy and resource advantages can be translated into development potentials. And through the sharing of peace and development dividends, the root causes of violent conflicts can be gradually eliminated and lasting peace can be achieved through development, he said.

The CAR is China's good friend, partner and brother in Africa. China vigorously supports its efforts in maintaining stability and promoting development. China has provided support within its capabilities in the CAR's fight against COVID-19 and in its preparation for the general elections. China will work with the international community to make continuous contributions to peace and development in the CAR, he said. Enditem

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