Peaceful solution to crisis in Syria 'still possible'
Source: Agencies |
February 20, 2012, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA said yesterday it believed a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis was still possible as any armed intervention would only spread turmoil throughout the region.
The comments were published by Xinhua news agency a day after a Chinese envoy met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and thousands demonstrated in Damascus in one of the biggest anti-government rallies there since an uprising began nearly a year ago.
China has emerged as a leading player in the multiple international efforts to end the bloodshed in Syria.
"China believes, as many others do, there is still hope the Syria crisis can be resolved through peaceful dialogue between the opposition and the government, contrary to some Western countries' argument that time is running out for talks in Syria," Xinhua said.
It criticized the West's stance on Syria, highlighting differences between foreign powers over how to deal with the conflict.
The West was "driven less by their self-proclaimed 'lofty goal' of liberalizing the Syrian people than by geopolitical considerations," Xinhua said. "Blood is still being shed in Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan, where foreign forces have intervened and come to 'help'."
The United States, Europe, Turkey and Gulf-led Arab states have all demanded Assad quit power.
The West has ruled out military intervention but the Arab League has indicated some of its states were prepared to arm the opposition, which includes the rebel Free Syrian Army.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun met Assad in Damascus on Saturday and backed his plan for a referendum and multi-party elections - a move the West and some in Syria's opposition movement have dismissed as a "sham."
The comments were published by Xinhua news agency a day after a Chinese envoy met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and thousands demonstrated in Damascus in one of the biggest anti-government rallies there since an uprising began nearly a year ago.
China has emerged as a leading player in the multiple international efforts to end the bloodshed in Syria.
"China believes, as many others do, there is still hope the Syria crisis can be resolved through peaceful dialogue between the opposition and the government, contrary to some Western countries' argument that time is running out for talks in Syria," Xinhua said.
It criticized the West's stance on Syria, highlighting differences between foreign powers over how to deal with the conflict.
The West was "driven less by their self-proclaimed 'lofty goal' of liberalizing the Syrian people than by geopolitical considerations," Xinhua said. "Blood is still being shed in Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan, where foreign forces have intervened and come to 'help'."
The United States, Europe, Turkey and Gulf-led Arab states have all demanded Assad quit power.
The West has ruled out military intervention but the Arab League has indicated some of its states were prepared to arm the opposition, which includes the rebel Free Syrian Army.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun met Assad in Damascus on Saturday and backed his plan for a referendum and multi-party elections - a move the West and some in Syria's opposition movement have dismissed as a "sham."
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