FILE - In this May 21, 2019 file photo, Tripoli government forces clash with forces led by Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter, south of the capital Tripoli, Libya. (Photo: AP)

New York (People's Daily) -- The UN Security Council convened a video conference on Libya in the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday with China’s acting DPR Yao Shaojun calling on all parties in the conflict to put the interests of the country and its people first and agree to a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible.

Under the current circumstances, the people of Libya deserve a peaceful environment to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, Yao said.

He said the conflict in Libya has been raging for many years, wreaking havoc on the country and its neighbors, bringing enormous suffering to the Libyan people and threatening international peace and security.

The situation changes rapidly. We noted the recent announcements by relevant parties and reaffirm that there is no military solution. China has always believed that the issue of Libya must be resolved through a political process. We welcome all the efforts conducive to a lasting ceasefire and response to the global ceasefire appeal by the Secretary-General, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and Ramadan, said Yao.

He added that China supports a Libyan-owned and Libyan-led political-settlement process and encourages the UN and such regional organizations as AU and the League of Arab States to continue their mediation efforts to form synergies.

We call on all member states to implement a strict arms embargo. While respecting Libya’s independence, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, the international community should continue to provide assistance to Libya so that the country achieves peace, stability and development as soon as possible.

With regard to the International Criminal Court, Yao emphasized China’s position remains unchanged.