China on Thursday voiced deep concern over the latest situation in Kyrgyzstan, calling for international efforts to play a constructive role in maintaining stability in the country.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the remarks when asked to comment on whether the current situation in Kyrgyzstan would affect a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to be scheduled in the country's capital Bishkek in August.

According to reports, thousands of opposition members launched protests and rallies since April 9 to press President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to step down. The president's decree last December to reverse several constitutional amendments and recover the authority to form the cabinet had triggered anger among opposition members.

Qin said the August summit is very important for the SCO development, noting the member states agreed to give full support to Kyrgyzstan, who is the present SCO's rotating chair, to well prepare for the summit.

He said China sincerely hopes that Kyrgyzstan keep stability and develop its economy, and its people live a better life.

This is in the fundamental interests of the people in and beyond Kyrgyzstan, Qin added.

Source: Xinhua