Be wary of attempt to resolve Syrian crisis outside UN framework

Continued escalation of armed conflicts between the Syrian government and opposition forces has resulted in a sharp rise in the number of refugees fleeing Syria. Kofi Annan, the United Nations-League of Arab States joint special envoy for the Syrian crisis, is set to formally resign at the end of the month. The political settlement of the Syrian crisis is facing unprecedented challenges.

At this critical juncture, China invited Syrian president’s special envoy to visit Beijing, and is also considering inviting opposition representatives. This is yet another major diplomatic move China has made to promote a political solution to the Syrian crisis, and shows its responsible attitude toward world peace as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Political settlement is Syria’s only way out of its ongoing crisis. China holds a consistent stance that the launch of a political process in Syria depends on the choices of the Syrian government and opposition forces. China has actively promoted its work between the government and opposition groups, and urged both sides to substantially implement the six-point peace plan proposed by Annan, relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, and the Geneva communique agreed by the Syria Action Group meeting of major world powers. Both sides should immediately cease fire, protect civilians, and resolve the crisis through political dialogue.

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