China welcomes peaceful power handover in Libya

China has welcomed the Libyan National Transitional Council's peaceful handover of power to its newly elected national assembly. A press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted spokesman Qin Gang as saying the move on Aug. 8 marked an important step in the country's political transitional process. Qin said the Chinese side hoped Libya will achieve stability and prosperity as soon as possible. China is ready to join hands with Libya to promote continuous development of the two nations' bilateral friendly relationship of cooperation, Chinese news agency (Xinhua) reported. After the handover, the national assembly elected former opposition leader Mohammed Maqrif as its president on Aug. 10. He is scheduled to pick his government, pass laws and steer Libya to full parliamentary elections after a new constitution is drafted next year.