China expects Astana talks on Syria to make progress

BEIJING - China on Friday expressed positive expectations for the upcoming dialogue on Syria issues scheduled in Astana, Kazakhstan next Monday, saying that it hoped the talks would set a sound foundation for the Syrian talks in Geneva.

"China is positive about all proposals and plans that will be conducive to the political solution to the Syria issues," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at a daily press briefing.

Hua said that China supported the United Nations' role as the main channel of mediation on Syria issues, and thought the upcoming dialogue in Astana was a useful supplement to the Syrian talks in Geneva.

She said that China hoped the Syrian government and the oppositions could eliminate differences, accumulate mutual trust, and push forward the political process to accomplish success, adding that the Syrian government and the oppositions should take part in the Geneva talks without preconditions.

"China takes a fair and objective stance on the issues, and supports the peace talks in Geneva," said Hua. "China will continue its efforts for an early realization of lasting peace and stability in Syria."

A ceasefire agreement was reached between the Syrian government and the oppositions at the end of last year after intense diplomatic efforts by Russia, Turkey and other countries. The new round of peace talks in Astana was later announced.

As part of diplomatic efforts to peacefully end the years-long civil war in Syria, the UN will convene a new round of Syrian talks in Geneva on Feb 8.