Russia, China Oppose Foreign Interference in Syria

Local Editor

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Friday his country's rejection of having the situation in Syria inflamed by some parties that reject dialogue and others that launch one-sided stances.

. "It's important not to pour oil on the fire through the one-sided actions and steps or the emotional statements and through the direct instigation of the use of force by the opposition and its rejection of dialogue with the government," Lavrov stressed.

During a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Hoshiyar Zibari, he dismissed US statements as reported by the media on the part of the US Secretary State Department spokesperson, Victoria Nuland, that Russian-US talks are going on about the political transitions in Syria after President Bashar al-Assad steps down as untrue.
 
"We reject having such deliberations, and we are also against any interferences and dictates in the Syrian internal affairs as we don't impose on the Syrians solutions to their internal problems," Lavrov said.
He also denied statements by the Russian Foreign Ministry about similar talks between Russia and France, stressing that Moscow "does not have deliberations whatsoever on changing regimes through unilateral steps or participation in any such adventures."

Lavrov considered the plan of the UN envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, as the suitable way to meet the aspirations of the Syrian people, calling on all the parties in Syria to show self-restraint and enter into dialogue without foreign interference.
 

Lavrov said that "the international conference Moscow has called for to discuss the crisis in Syria aims at influencing all the parties to the crisis to halt violence."
For his part, the Iraqi Foreign Minister emphasized the necessity of exerting pressure on all the parties to abide by Annan's plan.

Zibari stressed that "any international meeting on Syria should include the participation of the countries concerned particularly the neighboring countries."
Hours earlier, Spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Liu Weimin, reiterated China's rejection of one-sided sanctions and pressure to solve the crisis in Syria.
"The international actions on Syria should be conducive to easing tension in the country, promoting a political resolution to the issue and maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East region," Liu said.

He added that his county has maintained communication and coordination with all parties concerned in the crisis in Syria.
Liu stressed that "the international community should provide full support for Annan's mediation efforts and encourage the parties concerned to implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and Annan's six-point plan."
He urged all Syrian parties to positively cooperate with the UN observers, halt all forms of violence and protect civilians, so as to defuse tension as soon as possible.
 
"China calls for patience and international solidarity, given the complicated situation in Syria," said the spokesman, and expressed his country's hope that Annan's efforts will make more progress as soon as possible.

Source: SANA, Edited by moqawama.org