China calls on both sides to end Syria violence: Report
China on Sunday called on the Syrian government and other 'parties concerned' to cease all acts of violence and seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis, Xinhua reported, citing the Chinese foreign ministry.
The state news agency said the ministry had released a statement, attributed to an unnamed official, calling for dialogue between the regime and those expressing 'political aspirations'.
"In the statement, the leading official urges the Syrian Government and parties concerned to immediately, fully, and unconditionally cease all acts of violence, particularly violence against innocent civilians," Xinhua reported.
"Various factions in Syria should express political aspirations through non-violent means," the statement said.
It also said that China, which has twice joined Russia in blocking UN Security Council condemnation of the Damascus regime's deadly crackdown of an 11-month uprising, did not support outside interference.
"China does not approve of armed interference or pushing for 'regime change' in Syria, and believes that use or threat of sanctions does not help to resolve this issue appropriately," the anonymous official was quoted as saying.
"We oppose anyone to interfering in Syria's internal affairs under the pretext 'humanitarian' issues," the official was reported to have added.
He said China was "ready to provide humanitarian assistance" and that aid should be delivered by the international community only in a way that respects 'Syria's sovereignty'.
Last month Beijing and Moscow incurred the wrath of Western nations when they vetoed a UN resolution calling on President Bashar al-Assad to step down.
On Thursday China and Russia signed up to a UN Security Council statement calling on Syria to allow 'immediate' humanitarian access to protest cities.
However, Syrian government has since been accused of preventing the Red Cross from delivering much needed aid to the vanquished rebel stronghold of Baba Amr, amid reports of brutal reprisals there by government forces.
UN and right groups say upwards of 7,500 people, mostly civilians, have been killed nationwide in the revolt against Assad which started more than 11 months ago.
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