China, Germany call for political solution to Libyan crisis

(Xinhua) -- China and Germany on Friday called for a political solution to the ongoing Libyan crisis as the two countries held a bilateral dialogue in Beijing on Friday.

"Both China and Germany abstained from voting for UN Security Council Resolution 1973, which shows that the two states have reservations on the resolution," Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told reporters after co-chairing the first round Sino-German minister-level strategic dialogue with visiting German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.

The resolution was adopted to stop violence and protect civilians, Yang said, adding that China is worried by continued reports of deaths and injuries among civilians and the escalation of military conflict in Libya.

Westerwelle also urged those involved to solve the crisis by political means.

"The Libyan situation cannot be resolved by military means. There can only be a political resolution and we must get the political process underway," said Westerwelle.

China maintained that concerned countries should strictly abide by the resolution and respect Libya's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, Yang said.

"The matter should be addressed appropriately by political and diplomatic means," he added.

Resolution 1973 established a no-fly zone over Libya and authorized "all necessary measures" for the protection of civilians in Libya. France, Britain and the United States have been carrying out airstrikes against from the forces of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's since March 19.