Li Baodong, the Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, on Thursday called for formulating and implementing a comprehensive strategy to realize peace, security and development in Somalia as soon as possible.

Li Baodong, the Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations who holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for March, speaks during a Security Council open debate on Somali situation at the UN headquarters in New York, the United States, March 10, 2011. [Shen Hong/Xinhua]

Addressing an open debate in the UN Security Council on Somali situation, Li, who holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for March, said that China believes that it is necessary to formulating and implementing a comprehensive strategy to promote earlier realization of peace, security and development of Somalia.

Li said that the multiple problems faced with Somalia are inter- connected and mutually affected, which needs an integrated response. "The comprehensive strategy addressing the Somali issue should reflect the ownership of Somalia and give full play to the important role played by the UN."

Li noted that this comprehensive strategy should include five pillars. "First, effectively promote Somali political reconsolidation process. China hoped the Somali transitional government would complete its constitutional process and other transitional tasks as scheduled within the framework of the Djibouti Agreement, and conduct dialogues with relevant parties on post-transitional arrangements with a view to achieving consensus at an early date."

"Secondly we called on the Somali transitional government, with the help of international partners to step up efforts in building security sector, so as to establish a professional army capable of maintaining national peace and stability and protecting the Somali people," Li said.

In addition, China urged the UN and the donor countries to mobilize more financial and material resources to help advance the economic and social development in the eastern African country. "Somalia should have a bigger say in distribution and utilization of financial assistance," Li added.

Fourthly China called for a deep reflection by the international community on their strategy for combating Somali piracy. "Greater attention must be given to effectively addressing the land-based origins of piracy by political, economic and judicial means," Li said.

Last but not the least, China spoke highly of the important role played by the regional organizations such as the African Union (AU) and the African Union Mission in Somalia, calling on the international community to provide more support to the AU.

"We support the Security Council in responding positively to the relevant requests of the AU and giving favorable consideration to deployment of peacekeeping operation in Somalia," said the Chinese ambassador.