16 Sep 2013

Chinese Embassy in Botswana has expressed concern about continued conflict in Syria.

A press statement from the embassy said the conflict had brought sufferings to the Syrian people and impacted peace and stability in the Middle East. “China is deeply worried about the situation. China maintains that political settlement is the only realistic way out of the Syrian crisis,” the statement read.

The statement said all relevant parties in Syria should take credible steps to implement the spirit of the communiqué of the foreign ministers’ meeting of the Action Group on Syria, cease fire and stop violence immediately and positively respond to the initiative of holding the second Geneva conference on the Syrian issue.

It said relevant parties in the international community should provide positive and constructive help for the political settlement of the Syrian issue and avoid taking any action that could further militarise the crisis.

“China follows the latest developments in Syria closely. We firmly oppose the use of chemical weapons by anyone. China supports the UN investigation team in conducting independent, objective, impartial and professional investigations. The next step should be determined by the Security Council based on the findings of the UN investigation team.”

The statement further stated that unilateral military action that bypassed the Security Council would have serious impact on the situation in Syria and the Middle East region and they were also a violation of international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

It said China had maintained an objective and just position and a responsible attitude on the Syrian issue and was committed to protecting the fundamental interests of the Syrian people, maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East region as well as upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and basic norms governing international relations. Ends