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Conflict in Syria

Beijing and Damascus agree on 3 principles for peace process in Syria

The Syrian government is ready to consider the introduction of ceasefire regime in separate regions to boost peace process, Chinese Foreign Minister said after talks with his Syrian counterpart

© Valery Sharifulin/TASS

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China invites Syrian authorities, opposition for talks

BEIJING, December 24. /TASS/. China and Syria have developed three principles for a peace process between the government and opposition, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday after talks with his Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem.

"The most important agreement that we made is that we need to adhere to three principles when settling the crisis in Syria," he said. "Firstly, we need to firmly adhere to the general direction of political settlement of the crisis. Secondly, the future of Syria should be decided by the Syrian people themselves. Thirdly, the United Nations Organization should play a leading role as a mediator between the sides," the Chinese foreign minister noted.

"These three important principles should be observed during the whole process of looking for a political way to settle the crisis," he concluded.

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Damascus ready to introduce ceasefire in separate regions to support peace process in Syria

The Syrian government is ready to consider the introduction of ceasefire regime in separate regions to boost peace process with the opposition, Chinese Foreign Minister went on to say.

"We exchanged opinions on several issues all sides are interested in, including ceasefire, humanitarian aid and recovery, and reached a wide consensus," he said. "We highly value the statement of the Syrian side that it wants to move forward in reaching local ceasefire in accordance with progress in dialogue and negotiations process," the Chinese foreign minister noted. "The Syrian side is also ready to coordinate its actions with the international community in the sphere of providing humanitarian aid," he added.

The Syrian foreign minister arrived in Beijing with a tree-day visit on December 23 on the invitation of the Chinese side. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said earlier that this visit will become part of Beijing’s efforts in promoting the peace process and political dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition.

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Syria China Syrian conflict

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