A Chinese representative urged parties to abide by a ceasefire agreement, and de-escalate tensions in Syria as soon as possible at a United Nations Security Council meeting held in New York City on Thursday.
Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, said over the recent period, the situation in Syria's Aleppo and the northeastern part of the country had changed significantly, drawing wide attention from the international community.
China noticed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached, and hoped that the agreement will be observed, tensions will be de-escalated as soon as possible, and peace and stability will be restored in Syria at an early date, said Sun.
China hopes that all parties in Syria will promote political reconciliation through dialogue and negotiation and find out a national reconstruction solution that is in the interests of the Syrian people, Sun said.
"China reiterates its support for Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, and opposes external interference. We are willing to work with the international community to play a constructive role in helping Syria achieve security, stability, and development," said Sun. Syria's defense authorities announced on Tuesday a four-day ceasefire across all operational sectors of the Syrian army, effective from 8:00 p.m. local time (1700 GMT), as part of efforts to support recently reached understandings with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The ceasefire was declared in commitment to the agreements reached with the SDF and in pursuit of national efforts aimed at preserving security and stability, said a statement carried by Syrian state media.
Syrian officials have described the pause in military operations as a confidence-building measure intended to facilitate dialogue and allow space for the implementation of agreed-upon mechanisms, while preventing further escalation on the ground.
One year into Syria's post-Assad transition, nearly 3 million refugees and internally displaced people have returned home, a sign of cautious progress, said UN News in an online post on Thursday.
UN officials warned that continued incursions by Israel in southern Syria undermine the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and risk further destabilizing an already volatile environment.
Against this fragile backdrop, the situation in northern and northeastern Syria has deteriorated sharply in recent weeks.
China calls for abiding by ceasefire agreement, deescalating tensions in Syria
