A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called on the Syrian interim authorities to advance an inclusive transition process and take decisive measures to combat terrorism.
The Syrian interim authorities announced the launch of a one-month independent investigation following the indiscriminate killing of civilians in the coastal areas, "the inhumanity and brutality of which is outrageous," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said in remarks at a UN Security Council meeting, after the Secretary General's Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen briefed the Security Council on the latest political and humanitarian landscape in Syria.
Stressing that China is following the investigation progress, Fu called on the Syrian interim authorities to carry out their work in a "transparent and responsible" manner.
Nearly 1,500 people, including more than 1,000 civilians, have been killed in the widespread violence in western Syria's Latakia and Tartus provinces since March 6, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The UN Security Council condemned the mass killings of civilians and urged the government to "protect all Syrians without distinction".
Meanwhile, Fu said that China takes note of the recent measures to advance the political transition, calling for the authorities to "earnestly deliver on their commitments" and engage in broad dialogue and consultation with all sectors in the country to achieve genuine inclusiveness. He emphasized that the work of Special Envoy Pedersen should be respected and supported by all parties, the Office of the Special Envoy needs to strengthen its team on the ground, and the League of Arab States can play a greater role in the Syrian political process.
The ambassador also expressed concern about new terrorist threats in Syria, and underscored the need to preserve the bottom line of countering terrorism.
Following the change in the situation in Syria, foreign terrorist fighters in Idlib have moved across the country, posing an immediate threat to the Syrian people and regional and international peace, Fu said. "They have been involved in the mistreatment and killing of civilians in the coastal areas. This is yet another reminder of the need to remain highly vigilant against the terrorist forces in Syria."
He urged the interim authorities to fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations and to take decisive measures to combat all Security Council-listed terrorist organizations, including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, also known as the Turkistan Islamic Party.
In addition to political and security concerns, Fu emphasized the importance of improving Syria's economy and livelihoods, which he described as a top priority for the interim authorities. He called on traditional donor countries to increase humanitarian assistance and urged actions to eliminate the negative impact of unilateral sanctions that have exacerbated the country's economic woes.
Reiterating that Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity should be respected, Fu condemned Israel's airstrikes against Syria and urged it to withdraw from Syrian territory as soon as possible.
"In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria should be respected. The Golan Heights is internationally recognized as occupied Syrian territory. The 1974 disengagement agreement should be complied with. China condemns the Israeli airstrikes against Syria. Israel should withdraw from Syrian territory without delay," said the Chinese envoy.
Chinese envoy calls on Syria to advance inclusive transition, combat terrorism
