国内英语新闻:China calls on UN Security Council to address root cause of armed conflicts

UNITED NATIONS, July 7 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday called on the UN Security Council to address the root cause of the armed conflicts in order to better protect civilians in such conflicts, which often took place in regions with backward economic and social conditions.

The statement came as Wang Min, the deputy Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, was taking the floor at an open Security Council debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.

"As the organ which has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council is duty bound to address the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflicts," Wang said.

China supports the Security Council in its efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, he said, voicing his deep concerns with the fact that civilians are the subject of threat and violations in armed conflicts.

"The Security Council should pay attention to the root cause of the problem and invest more energy in preventing and controlling conflicts," he said. "At the same time, efforts should be made to put the protection of civilians in armed conflicts into the overall framework of the political process for the peaceful settlement of conflicts."

"The responsibility for the protection of civilians lies primarily with national governments," he said. "While the international community provides constructive assistance, it must do so in compliance with the UN Charter, respect the sovereignty of the countries concerned and avoid the interference of their international affairs."

"On the issue of impunity, we are in favor that the domestic judicial system of the countries concerned can play the role of the main channel," he said.

At present, the key is to ensure the comprehensive, equitable and effective implementation of the whole set of international law and rules that are already put in place in the field of protecting civilians in armed conflicts, he said, adding that relevant UN and treaty organs can continue to play an important role in this regard.