CHINA: Beijing says it disapproves using sanctions or pressure to address the crisis, and repeats that priority in is vigourously supporting U.N. envoy Kofi Annan's mediation efforts

Record ID: 280979

  • Title: CHINA: Beijing says it disapproves using sanctions or pressure to address the crisis, and repeats that priority in is vigourously supporting U.N. envoy Kofi Annan's mediation efforts
  • Date: 15th June 2012
  • Summary: BEIJING, CHINA (JUNE 14, 2012) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY CHINESE NATIONAL FLAG FLYING CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN LIU WEIMIN WALKING IN FOR REGULAR NEWS CONFERENCE JOURNALISTS (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN LIU WEIMIN SAYING: "China doesn't approve of the use of unilateral sanctions or pressure (to solve the Syri
  • Embargoed: 30th June 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: China
  • Country: China
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVACQRH6O04FWT6AOTOMJW0OLZFS
  • Story Text: China's foreign ministry said on Thursday (June 14) that it does not agree with excessive reliance on pressure or sanctions to address the crisis in Syria, and reiterated its support for U.N. envoy Kofi Annan's mediation efforts.
    "China doesn't approve the use of unilateral sanctions or pressuring (to solve the Syria crisis)," spokesman Liu Weimin said during a regular briefing in Beijing.
    France said on Wednesday (June 13) it will propose giving the United Nations the power to enforce Annan's Syrian peace plan, adding that a no-fly zone was an option under consideration to stem what it characterised as a civil war.
    Liu did not reject the French proposal outright, but signaled misgivings.
    "Under the current circumstances, all the parties should continue to vigourously support U.N. envoy Kofi Annan's mediation efforts. We urge relevant parties in Syria to effectively implement relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and Annan's six-point proposals, actively cooperate with the U.N. monitors, end any form of violence, protect civilians and ease the current tense situation as soon as possible," he added.
    Russia and China - permanent members of the U.N. Security Council with the power to veto resolutions - have stymied efforts by Western powers to condemn or call for the removal of Assad, whose forces, the U.N. says, have killed at least 10,000 people in more than a year of unrest.
    China has repeatedly called for all sides in Syria to end violence and observe a peace plan put forward by Annan, and has opposed any foreign intervention in the country or efforts at forced regime change.
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