United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen (front, on screen) briefs the Security Council on the situation in Syria, at the UN headquarters in New York, June 27, 2019. China's permanent representative to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu on Thursday asked for efforts to promote the political process in Syria. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
UNITED NATIONS, June 27 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday asked for efforts to promote the political process in Syria.
"Promoting the political process is the only way forward to solve the Syrian problem. The establishment of a constitutional committee that is representative and accepted by all parties is the most realistic channel," said Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.
In April 2019, parties in Syria reached understanding in Astana talks on the decision-making mechanisms of the constitutional committee and its rules of procedure. At the same time, a few issues remained outstanding, he noted.
China supports the efforts of the UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to continue mediation and to continue communicating with all parties. China supports the continued role of the Astana process, he told the Security Council.
A sustainable political process requires a secure and stable external environment. China supports enhanced Russia-Turkey cooperation in the implementation of a cease-fire agreement for Idlib in northwestern Syria, said Ma.
The scourge of terrorism is a major risk for the political process. It would have irreversible consequences on the political process and the future of the country. The international community should, on the basis of Security Council resolutions and international law, harmonize standards and crack down resolutely on all terrorist groups, he said.
The future of Syria ultimately lies in the hands of the Syrian people themselves, he said. "While promoting a political solution, we should stick to the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principle. The sovereignty, independence, unity, territorial integrity of Syria must be fully respected."
He said China is ready to work with the Security Council to increase support for UN efforts toward progress in the Syrian political process.
