Chinese FM holds phone talks with Annan over Syria

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan has exchanged views on the situation in Syria . Annan briefed Yang on the latest development in Syria. Yang, who is attending the 11th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of China, Russia and India in Moscow, said in a phone conversation made earlier Thursday, said China welcomes the announcement of a comprehensive ceasefire made by the Syrian government, which will be conducive to easing the current tension. China also applauds Annan's constant efforts to work with the Syrian government and the opposition, he said noting that it is important to urge the Syrian government and the opposition to fulfill their commitments, take visible and practical actions to cooperate with Annan in his mediation efforts to de-escalate the intense situation and start a political settlement process. Annan's efforts is a realistic and important approach to political settlement of the crisis, the minister said, calling on the parties concerned to support and cooperate with the envoy's work and play a positive and constructive role for solution of the Syrian issue. The Chinese Foreign Minister said that China has been engaging with parties in Syria, particularly the government to find a solution to the crisis. He urged Damascus to fulfill its commitments to ceasefire and withdrawal of troops, continue to support Annan in his mediation, demonstrate its flexibility in accepting ceasefire supervision mechanism and opening political dialogue, and implement the six- point proposal. Yang stressed that China will continue to give full support to Annan's efforts and maintain a close coordination with all other parties in searching for a fair, peaceful and proper solution of the Syrian issue as soon as possible. The commitments to ceasefire made by the parties in Syria were encouraging, he said, adding that the priority now is to consolidate the ceasefire, stabilize the situation as soon as possible and open the process of political dialogue. The special envoy thanked Yang for China's support to his mediation mission and said China's constructive efforts on the Syrian issue have led to positive results. He expressed the wish to maintain a close contact with China and work together for the solution of the Syrian issue as soon as possible.