China urges preventing further turmoil in Middle East: FM Spokesperson

  China calls on the international community, especially major countries with influence, to play a constructive role and avoid further turmoil in the Middle East, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.    On Oct. 1 Beijing time, Israel launched ground offensive in southern Lebanon. In the early morning of Oct. 2, Iran launched military attack against Israel. China is deeply concerned over the turmoil in the Middle East, said the spokesperson, pointing out that China opposes the violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and opposes moves that fuel antagonism and escalate tensions.  China believes that the protracted fighting in Gaza is the root cause of this round of turmoil in the Middle East, and all parties need to work urgently for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, the spokesperson added.   Source: Xinhua, Agencies

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Somali Foreign Minister Addresses UN Security Council, Condemns Ethiopian Actions

  New York, Baidao Star – Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi addressed the UN Security Council, thanking Switzerland for its leadership and commending Ambassador Sania Strasi for her role in past deliberations.  He highlighted Somalia’s ongoing national consultations, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aimed at advancing inclusive governance and key electoral reforms. Minister Fiqi strongly rejected Ethiopia’s territorial claims, accusing it of using counterterrorism as a pretext for annexation.  He also reported the interception of illegal arms shipments from Ethiopia, which are fuelling local conflicts and empowering extremist groups, calling these actions a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. Recognizing the support of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Foreign Minister Fiqi emphasized intensified operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, with local governance extending into liberated regions.  He reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to working closely with the UN on security and governance as the country navigates critical transitions.

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