Q: Following a joint mission to Côte d'Ivoire on January 3 to mediate in the country's post-election crisis, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed the willingness to continue to push for the settlement of the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire through negotiations. How do you comment?
A: China holds that the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire should be peacefully resolved. We appreciate the recent positive efforts by ECOWAS and the African Union for the peaceful settlement of the crisis, and call on the relevant parties in Côte d'Ivoire to properly address differences through dialogue and consultation so as to realize political reconciliation in an effort to safeguard national peace and stability. The peaceful settlement of the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire also serves the interest of West African states.