CRI听力:BRICS Leaders Call for Peace in Libya

Meanwhile, leaders of the BRICS group have voiced concern over the situation in Libya and called for peace in the northern African nation.

The five leaders, in their annual summit in southern China have also joined in criticizing Western countries' air campaign in Libya.

Wei Tong has more.

In a joint declaration, they have voiced concern about the effects of the air strikes on Libyan civilians.

Chinese President Hu Jintao is hosting the BRICS Summit in south China's Hainan.

"There have been political riots, even a war going on in some Western Asian and Northern African countries in recent days, which has affected regional stability. All that indicates that there is still a long way to go before we can realize lasting peace and common prosperity of the world."

South Africa, on the other hand, has voted in favor of the United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing the strikes. But during a visit to Tripoli last week, South African President Jacob Zuma called for NATO to stop air strikes. He vows to assist Libya to go for a political solution.

"We provided a briefing on the situation in Libya and the importance of the African Union's roadmap, which is designed to assist the Libyans towards a lasting political solution which should be based on the will of the Libyan people."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is also calling for a peaceful resolution to stabilize the political situation in Libya.

"It is our shared idea that the situation in Libya could only be resolved through political and diplomatic approaches."
The Sanya Declaration from the summit rejects the use of force in the Middle East and North Africa, urging instead dialogue and non-intervention.　

Meantime, former French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin claims that France's military campaign in Libya is for humanitarian purpose during an economic seminar in Beijing.

"Our military action in Libya is neither to build up a new political system for the country nor to gain any economic profits. Our plan is to offer any possible humanitarian assistance. We hope there will be a lasting peace between Moammar Ghadafi and his rebels. We do not have the last say for the future of Libya. It is the Libyan people who have the final decision."

Western warplanes began striking Libya last month, but embattled leader Muammar Gaddafi has refused to yield to calls from rebel groups and other governments for him to step down, and his forces remain locked in combat with the rebels.

France and Britain have agreed to step up military pressure on Gaddafi's forces after world powers meeting in Doha promised Libya's rebels cash and the means to defend themselves.

For CRI, I am Wei Tong.