China expresses 'deep' concern over Syrian situation

China is deeply concerned about the Syrian situation and urged all relevant parties to consider the long-term interests of the country's people, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported Monday. "All sides concerned in Syria should immediately cease fire and stop the violence, protect citizens and launch an inclusive political dialogue and political transition, so as to end the crisis at an early date," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying was quoted as saying at a press briefing in Beijing. Syria's government forces claimed that they killed dozens of foreign militants in Homs on December 29, according to Syrian media. Meanwhile, the antigovernment forces accused government forces of killing civilians in Homs.The UN-Arab League joint special envoy to Syria, Lakhadr Brahimi, said Sunday that the situation in Syria had deteriorated amid increasing violence. "Now, the Syrian people face two choices: a political solution that can meet the Syrians aspirations, or shifting Syria to hell," said Brahimi. Hua said China respects the choice made by the Syrian people, and is positive and open to any resolution plan that is widely accepted by relevant parties in Syria.