China "firmly supports" UN to play leading mediation role in Syria peace talks

GENEVA, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's Special Envoy for Syria Xie Xiaoyan on Tuesday said here that China "firmly supports" the United Nations (UN) to play a leading mediation role in Syria peace talks and pushing forward the political process in the war-torn country.

Xie said that China keeps an open mind to any other efforts and initiatives that help solve the problems, and will be ready to cooperate closely with the relevant parties that have a constructive influence on the peace process.

Xie on Tuesday met separately with the UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan De Mistura and his counterparts from Russia and the United States. He also attended a UN-led preparing meeting for the new round of the Intra-Syrian talks.

During the meetings, Xie said that with the ground situation in Syria having been significantly improved and the terrorism groups having been largely cracked down, the new round of peace talks is facing favorable factors, and China hopes that the conflicting sides of Syria will further demonstrate flexibility and promote progress in the political process through the talks in Geneva.

De Mistura appreciated China for its support, saying that the impartial and objective position of China has played a constructive role in promoting the political solution to the Syrian issue, and he is willing to continue to maintain close communication and coordination with China. Enditem