Chinese FM makes four-point proposal to resolve Syrian crisis

GENEVA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Saturday made a four-point proposal at a ministerial-level meeting in Geneva which aims to break the deadlock over Syrian crisis.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi attends the meeting of the Action Group on Syria at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva on June 30, 2012. Foreign ministers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - attended the meeting along with counterparts from regional powers Turkey, Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq in Geneva on Saturday. (Xinhua/Xie Haining)

Speaking at the Action Group on Syria meeting summoned by UN-Arab League Special Envoy for Syria Kofi Annan, Yang said, "First, we should stick to the correct direction of seeking a political settlement."

Political dialogue, he said, is the only practical way to resolve the Syrian crisis.

"We call on the international community, particularly members of the Action Group, to urge in a balanced way the Syrian government and the opposition to earnestly implement Mr. Kofi Annan's six-point proposal and relevant Security Council resolutions, put an end to fighting and violence, protect civilians, start as soon as possible an inclusive political dialogue with no preconditions attached and no prejudged outcomes, and jointly push forward the political process," he said.

He urged relevant parties in Syria to act in a responsible way toward the Syrian people and respond in a positive and serious manner to the concerns of the international community.

Second, the Chinese foreign minister said, "We should give firm support to Mr. Kofi Annan's mediation efforts."

"China appreciates Mr. Kofi Annan's active mediation efforts. We believe that his mediation provides an important channel and practical way in seeking a political settlement of the Syrian issue," he said.

Yang called on the international community, at this critical moment, to have firm confidence, continue to give full support to Annan's mediation efforts, support the work of the UN Supervision Mission, and play a positive and constructive role.

"China does not approve of setting a time frame or obstacles regarding Mr. Kofi Annan's mediation or the implementation of his six-point proposal," he said.

Third, Yang said all parties should truly respect the independent choice of the Syrian people.

"China attaches importance to the content related to a transition in Syria in the draft communique proposed by Mr. Kofi Annan. We speak positively of the commitment to a political settlement and a Syrian-led plan, its respect for Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, and its call for an inclusive national dialogue," he said.

"At the same time, we believe that any political settlement can only be led by the Syrian people and has to be acceptable to the relevant parties in Syria. No outsiders should make the choice for the Syrian people. China is against imposing a plan on Syria," Yang said.

Fourth, Yang called on all parties to have a sense of urgency and at the same time remain patient in seeking a political settlement.

"The Syrian issue is complex and sensitive... The relevant parties should sustain the momentum of dialogue, fully accommodate the concerns of all parties, and build more consensuses through patient dialogue and thorough consolations, thus sending a unified message to the various parities in Syria and the broader international community," he said.

"In so doing, they should bear in mind the fundamental interests of the Syrian people and the overall interests of peace and stability in the region, and observe the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations," he added.

Foreign ministers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - attended the meeting along with counterparts from regional powers Turkey, Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby, and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton were present at the meeting.