China Condemns Violence in Syria

China Condemns Violence in Syria

China does not approve of armed intervention or forcing a so-called “regime change” in Syria, Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun said in an interview in Beijing before his trip to Syria on February 17-18.

“We condemn all acts of violence against innocent civilians and urge the government and all political factions of Syria to immediately and fully end all violence, and quickly restore stability and the normal social order,” Zhai said.

Zhai, as a special envoy of the Chinese Government, visited Syria to exchange views with the Syrian Government and relevant parties on the current Syrian situation and push for a peaceful and proper solution to the crisis.

China urges all parties concerned in Syria to immediately launch inclusive political dialogue with no preconditions and jointly discuss a comprehensive political reform plan, Zhai said.

China understands the concern of Arab countries and the Arab League on seeking a quick solution to the Syrian issue, and values the important role as well as the efforts of Arab countries and the Arab League in seeking a political solution to the issue, the official said.

“We hope the Syrian issue will be resolved within the framework of the Arab League through political and peaceful means,” Zhai said.

“We don’t believe that sanctions or the threat of sanctions is helpful to achieving an appropriate solution,”Zhai said, adding that actions of the international community and the UN on the issue of Syria should be helpful to easing tensions, facilitating political dialogue and resolving differences instead of complicating the issue.

Zhai said China takes an objective, just and responsible stance on the issue of Syria and is willing to maintain communication with the government and various political factions in Syria, as well as with Arab countries and the Arab League.

“China will work together with the international community and play a positive and constructive role to appropriately resolve the issue of Syria,”Zhai said.