On August 23, 2011, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held a telephone conversation with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, exchanging views on the Libyan situation.

Yang said the Libyan situation has now entered a new critical phase. China, Yang said, holds that a top priority is to quickly restore stability to Libya, and let the Libyan people determine the future of their country. Relevant parties in Libya should initiate an inclusive political process at an early date and realize national reconciliation and reconstruction through such peaceful means as dialogues and consultations, Yang said. The UN should play a leading role in the postwar arrangement over Libya, the foreign minister said, adding that China encourages the UN in the process to enhance communications and cooperation with the African Union, the Arab League and other regional organizations. China speaks highly of the constructive contributions Ban has made to mitigate the Libya crisis, and is willing to cooperate with the UN to help re-stabilize the country as early as possible and thus pave the way for national reconciliation and reconstruction, Yang said. Meanwhile, the foreign minister stressed that the international community should continue providing humanitarian assistance to the war-ravaged country.

Noting that the Libyan situation is changing rapidly, Ban agreed that the UN should play an important role in Libya to help restore peace and stability as soon as possible, create a conducive environment for postwar reconstruction and support the Libyan people to rebuild their homeland. The UN hopes to maintain close cooperation with China on the issue while consulting with relevant regional institutions, the UN chief said.

In addition, Yang stressed that effective efforts should be made to guarantee the safety of foreign diplomatic missions and other foreign nationals in Libya. China has been working for the safety of Chinese diplomats, journalists and other citizens in Libya, and hopes that the UN will play a positive role on the issue, Yang said. The UN, Ban said, will pay great attention to the concern and endeavor to guarantee the safety of diplomats and other citizens from outside Libya.