China regrets Annan's resignation, calls for political solution

China on Friday said it regretted Kofi Annan's resignation as the UN's special envoy to Syria, renewing its call for a political solution to the conflict in the Middle Eastern country. China "expressed regret" at Annan's decision to resign his post as special envoy for the United Nations and the Arab League in Syria, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said. "We understand the difficulties Mr Annan has encountered in negotiation work and we respect his decision," Hong said. Annan on Thursday asked that his mandate not be renewed when it expires on August 31, saying persistent divisions within the United Nations Security Council had hampered his efforts in Syria. Hong said China appreciated the "active and constructive" role Annan had played in trying to broker a political solution to the conflict. China believed the international community should "stick to the political settlement of the issue," Hong said. "China is open to any proposal that can help politically solve the Syrian issue, and China supports the United Nations to continue to play an important role," he said.