China calls on Timor-Leste parties to resolve disputes through dialogue

A senior Chinese diplomat on Tuesday called on various parties in Timor-Leste to continue to seek to resolve their differences through democratic dialogue.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, made the appeal as he spoke at Tuesday's Security Council meeting on Timor-Leste.

"As a result of the efforts of the government and people of Timor-Leste, and the vigorous support of the international community, the overall situation in Timor-Leste over the past year has remained stable," Wang said.

Timor-Leste's President Jose Ramos-Horta has continued with his dialogue initiative, and various parties have maintained the momentum for political dialogue, Wang said.

The government formulated the national strategic development plan which set the direction for economic development of the country in the next 20 years, he noted.

"At the same time, we should also see that Timor-Leste also faces many challenges in its effort to develop economy, improve people's lives and maintain stability," the ambassador said.

"To realize long-term peace and security in Timor-Leste, various political factions should continue to seek to resolve differences through democratic dialogue, in order to effectively respond to various challenges," Wang said.

He urged the parties, especially the government and opposition Fretilin party, to put aside their differences and engage in full cooperation.

"We call on the parties to put the interests of the nation and people at top priority, seize the current favorable opportunity for restoring peace and realizing development, and lead their people to concentrate on pushing forward the national process of peaceful reconstruction," he added.

Source:Xinhua