Saturday, July 23, 2011

, South African President Jacob Zuma and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao Agree on AU Plan for Libya

Kwasi Akyeampong
South Africa, China Agree on AU Plan for Libya  
South Africa, China Agree on AU Plan for Libya
23/07/2011 12:39:00
In a telephone conversation, South African President Jacob Zuma and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao discussed African Union's proposals for ending the conflict in Libya, Zuma's spokesperson Mac Maharaj told AFP

"I can confirm that the two Presidents have been in contact. President Zuma briefed his Chinese counterpart about the African Union decisions and proposals on Libya. These were well received by the Chinese President," the spokesman said, adding that he had since read a report that China supports the African Union's peace proposals for Libya."

Mr Maharaj went on to say: "If this is so, we are happy that the Chinese government is supporting the AU peace plan. It augurs well for the process."

Zuma is part of the African Union team trying to broker a peace deal in Libya, proposing a cease-fire and negotiations on democratic reforms, with provision for a multinational peacekeeping force organised by the United Nations.

On Monday Zuma saidthat a decision on Al Qathafi’s future should be part of negotiations among the warring parties. "We feel as African countries that the Libyan people must decide" about Al Qathafi's future, Zuma said.

"What happens to Al Qathafi must be decided by the Libyan people. You need to negotiate how, why and where he must go," Zuma said.

The Libyan leader Muammar Al Qathafi late on Thursday ruled out talks with rebels fighting to end his four-decade rule, while the opposition represented by the Transitional National Council, TNC, keeps insisting that Al Qathafi must step down before talks can