UN Security Council renews Somalia sanctions

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council on Thursday renewed Somalia sanctions until Nov. 15, 2023.

Adopting Resolution 2662 by a vote of 11-0 with four abstentions, the 15-member council also renewed the mandate of the Somalia Panel of Experts until Dec. 15, 2023. China, Gabon, Ghana and Russia voted in abstention.

In an explanation of the vote, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, noted that China believes the Security Council should heed the call of African countries, respond to their demands, and review, adjust or lift the sanctions against them in a timely manner.

"At the same time, China has always maintained that exemptions to arms embargo should maintain a unified criteria," he said.

Given the relevant contents in the resolution do not reflect the reality of Somalia and there is a selective approach and double standard on the issue of exemptions to arms embargo, China was compelled to abstain from the vote, Geng said.