China calls for respecting Syria’s sovereignty

NEW YORK, DEC.21, (ST)-China has renewed its call on all foreign forces to withdraw from the Syrian territories and to stop all practices that undermine Syria’s sovereignty. 

 

According to Xinhua, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Dai Bing told the Security Council yesterday: “Countries concerned should withdraw from the illegally occupied territory in northern Syria and stop all actions that undermine Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The international community should abandon double standards and eradicate terrorist forces in Syria at an early date…Only in this way can we help Syria restore peace and order and safeguard the fundamental interests of the Syrian people.”

 

He went on to say: “Ten years into the conflict, Syria is mired in a deep economic and humanitarian crisis. The international community must lend a helping hand to assist the Syrian people in maintaining their livelihood and hope. China supports the international community and the UN agencies in stepping up their assistance to Syria based on the guiding principles for emergency humanitarian relief.”

 

Bing in addition states that all humanitarian operations in Syria should fully respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

 

“The cross-border mechanism, which is politically and legally controversial, should be adjusted in a timely manner in light of the development on the ground and make a gradual transition to cross-line delivery,” he clarified.

 

The Chinese diplomat concluded by saying: “To fundamentally overcome Syria’s humanitarian challenges, there is a need to comprehensively address the major issues that endanger Syria’s sovereignty, security and development…Unilateral sanctions have brought immeasurable losses and harm to Syria. Security Council members should take concrete measures to eliminate the negative impact of unilateral sanctions.”

 

Basma Qaddour