China 'firmly supports' UN mediation in Syria

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China "firmly supports" the United Nations' mediation role in Syrian peace talks, a senior envoy said in Geneva on Tuesday.

Special Envoy for Syria Xie Xiaoyan said China keeps an open mind to any initiatives that help solve problems in Syria, and is ready to cooperate with relevant parties that have a constructive influence on the peace process.

A Syrian government delegation is expected to arrive in Geneva on Wednesday to attend peace talks being held there this week.

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said the government and opposition would have a chance to negotiate directly for the first time, but it was not clear if they would choose to do so.

Xie met with De Mistura and his counterparts from Russia and the United States on Tuesday. He also attended a UN-led meeting ahead of the new round of intra-Syrian talks.

During the meetings, Xie said that with the ground situation in Syria having significantly improved and terrorist groups having been cracked down on, the new round of peace talks will take place in a favorable environment.

China hopes that the conflicting sides of Syria will further demonstrate flexibility and promote progress in the political process through the talks in Geneva, Xie added.

De Mistura said China's impartial and objective position has played a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the Syrian issue, and he is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with China.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency