China urges political solution in CAR

BEIJING - China urges all sides in the Central African Republic (CAR) to resolve the country's current crisis through political means, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday.

Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on reports of arrangements made by CAR "interim government" President Michel Djotodia for the ruling of the country.

According to the report, Djotodia announced that he will act as defense minister and Nicolas Tiangaye will continue to serve as prime minister after the Seleka rebels seized control of capital Bangui and President Francois Bozize fled to Cameroon on Sunday.

Hong said China has long kept an eye on the situation in the CAR and hopes all sides in the country can effectively implement the Libreville Agreement, which stipulated the formation of a government of national unity to lead the transition for one year before the organization of legislative elections in 2014.

China urges all sides to take the country's and its people's interests into account, restore order as soon as possible and safeguard social security as well as ethnic harmony, the spokesman added.

China is willing to work with the international community to play a positive role in ensuring lasting peace and order in the CAR, according to the spokesman.