No Chinese self-interests in Syria issue

China has no self-interests in the Syria issue and does not shield any party or intentionally oppose any party, Chinese UN Ambassador Li Baodong said in New York on Monday.

Li made the remarks while addressing a UN Security Council open debate on the Middle East.

Calling the Syrian crisis "very complicated," Li said political efforts cannot yield results overnight, but "we must continue to make unremitting efforts."

To this end, China has on many occasions sent special envoys to engage with the parties in Syria to promote political dialogue, he noted.

Li said China recently put forward a six-point proposition on the political settlement of the Syria issue, calling on the Syrian government and all the parties concerned to immediately cease all acts of violence, launch an inclusive political dialogue, agree on a comprehensive and detailed roadmap and timetable for reform through consultation, and implement them as soon as possible.

The relevant parties of the international community should respect the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and create conditions for the various political factions in Syria to launch dialogue, Li added.

He said China supports UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan in playing a constructive role in bringing about a political solution to the Syrian crisis. China also supports the vigorous efforts made by the Arab countries and the Arab League to promote a political settlement of the Syrian crisis.

"We attach importance to and welcome the recent visit to Syria by Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan and call on the international community to support and create favorable conditions for Mr. Annan's good offices efforts," the ambassador said.

Li stressed that China strictly complies with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and respects the sovereignty of Syria and the choice of its people.

"No external forces should interfere in Syria by force, or push for 'regime change,'" he said.

Noting that China supports the United Nations in playing a leading role, coordinating the humanitarian relief efforts, and helping to improve the humanitarian situation in some areas of Syria, Li said China will provide two million U.S. dollars in emergency humanitarian aid to the Syrian people through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

"As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will faithfully fulfill its obligations, and engage in equal-footed, patient and full consultations with other parties to push for an early political solution of the Syrian crisis," Li said.