China reaffirms political solution only way to address Syria crisis

UNITED NATIONS, May 15 (Xinhua) -- China reaffirmed on Wednesday that political solution is the only right way out for the Syrian issue, stressing that forcibly pushing forward the vote on a resolution in the General Assembly doesn't help the situation.

Li Baodong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks at a plenary meeting of General Assembly to vote on an Arab-led resolution calling for political transition in Syria. China was among 12 countries who voted against the draft resolution.

"China is deeply worried about the worsening situation in Syria, which has caused serious casualties and property losses and jeopardized the security and stability of the region. China opposes and condemns all violence against innocent civilians," Li said.

The Chinese ambassador reiterated that "a political settlement is the sole viable way of defusing the crisis in Syria" and the military means cannot address the crisis, but would only lead to more conflict and bloodshed.

"Forcibly pushing forward the vote is not conducive to the unity of the member states and the mediation efforts made by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the international community to solve the crisis in Syria," Li said, expressing serious concern over part of the contents of the draft resolution and demanding sponsor countries take into full consideration opinions of all relevant sides.

Li urged the Syrian government and the oppositions to assume responsibility for an immediate cease-fire, stop violence and start the political transition at an early date.

"The future destiny of Syria should be decided by the Syrian people themselves. China opposes military intervention in Syria and any act of forcing a regime change," the Chinese envoy said, calling on the international community to abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the principle of non-interference in others' internal affairs, as well as the basic norms of international law and international relations.

"China understands the concerns of the Arab countries and the League of Arab States in promptly resolving the Syria issue, and values the endeavors made by the Arab countries and the League of Arab States in addressing the issue politically," Li added.

The resolution, which is not legally binding, was adopted by a vote of 107 in favor to 12 against, with 59 abstentions.

We recommend:
New Dutch King Willem-Alexander sworn in	See the remarkable photos of April	May Day protests around the globle
People rally to urge immigration policy	Greek Orthodox Patriarch's washing of feet ceremony	101.73-carat diamond to be auctioned in Geneva