Chinese envoy calls on Syrian transitional gov't to fight terrorism

A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on the Syrian transitional government to honor its commitments to fighting terrorism.

The key to solving the Syria issue lies in advancing an inclusive political process, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), told the UN Security Council.

The prolonged turmoil in Syria has provided space for the proliferation of terrorism, said Fu, adding that foreign terrorist fighters have exploited the chaos in Syria to gain strength, which not only poses a direct threat to Syria's own security, but also severely undermines regional peace and stability.

"The Syrian transitional government has repeatedly stated that Syria will not pose a threat to any country. We urge the transitional government to honor this commitment, earnestly fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations, and take firm and effective measures to combat all terrorist organizations listed by the Security Council, including the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, in order to earn the trust of the international community through concrete actions," said Fu.

Noting that cuts in aid by developed donor countries have further strained the supply-demand gap in Syria's humanitarian assistance, Fu said the UN should further strengthen its coordinating role, increase and expedite the delivery of aid, and support Syria in enhancing its endogenous development capacity in order to fundamentally address humanitarian and development challenges.

China calls on Israel to stop its military operations against Syria and withdraw immediately from Syrian territory, Fu said, adding that all parties should continue to provide constructive support and assistance and refrain from exploiting the situation for self-interest.

In adjusting its sanctions related to Syria, the Security Council should fully consider Syria's counter-terrorism and security situation as well as the complex implications that any adjustments may entail, said Fu.

China will continue to work with the international community to help Syria achieve security, stability and development at an early date, and embark on a development path that suits its own national conditions, he said.

Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, met with the European Parliament's delegation for relations with China led by chair Engin Eroglu in Beijing on Wednesday.

Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with the European Union (EU) to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation, and pursue mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

He said China stands ready to join hands with the EU to address global challenges, promote exchanges and cooperation among legislative bodies, effectively utilize communication mechanisms, and advance the sound and stable development of China-EU relations.

Eroglu said the EU stands ready to work with China to contribute to the development of EU-China relations.