BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry on Monday voiced the country's deep concern about the worsening situation in the Central African Republic.
"China is closely watching the development of the situation in the Central African Republic and is deeply concerned about the serious deterioration of political and security situations in the country," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing.
Hong's comments came after rebels on Sunday seized control of the country's capital, after President Francois Bozize fled the presidential palace in Bangui.
The rebels began seizing towns last December, but later abandoned the mission and signed a truce with the government. However, the deal, which allows Bozize to continue to rule until 2016, quickly unraveled.
"China urges parties of the Central African Republic to start from the fundamental interests of the nation and the people, restore the country's order and safeguard national unity and stability," Hong said.
He stressed that China would like to work with the international community to play a positive role in restoring peace and stability in the country.
After military clashes broke out in Bangui again last week, the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in the Central African Republic initiated an emergency response mechanism and offered shelter to Chinese citizens there, Hong said.
So far, 67 of the 90 Chinese citizens in the Central African Republic have left the country, and the rest have decided to stay there, Hong said.
The embassy will continue to maintain communication with those unwilling to leave and provide them with possible assistance, Hong said.
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