China urges Libyan sides to negotiate peace

Yang Jiechi’s remarks to Mahmoud Jibril on Wednesday are China’s strongest endorsement yet of the council, dealing a further diplomatic setback to dictator Muammar Qadhafi.

China’s foreign minister has told Libya’s rebel leader that his Transitional National Council represents a growing segment of the Libyan public and is becoming a major political force in the country.

Yang Jiechi’s remarks to Mahmoud Jibril on Wednesday are China’s strongest endorsement yet of the council, dealing a further diplomatic setback to dictator Muammar Qadhafi.

Mr. Yang repeated China’s stance that both sides in the conflict should stop fighting and negotiate a political settlement on their own.

While Beijing says it won’t take sides in the four—month—old conflict, its increased engagement with the rebels is an attempt to hedge its bets over the outcome in the country, in which it has major investments.

AP