China has followed closely the developments of the situation in Syria, and has all along advocated respect for the independence,sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the choice of its people,as well as impartial, peaceful and proper solution of the Syrian crisis through political dialogue．In the final analysis,Syrian affairs should be determined independently by the Syrian people．No external forces should interfere in Syrian affairs by force or push for the so-called "regime change"．On the Syrian issue, China's goal is to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations,safeguard the rights of the Syrian people to determine their own affairs,and maintain peace and stability in the Middle East region as well as peace and tranquility of the world．

    China welcomes the appointment of Mr. Kofi Annan as the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League for the Syrian crisis．China attaches importance to and supports the mediation efforts he has made for the political settlement of the Syrian crisis．The Presidential Statement adopted by the Security Council today reflected the voice of unity of the Security Council．It was a positive step toward political settlement of the Syrian issue．We call on the international community to support Mr. Annan's mediation, and create favorable conditions for his efforts．China hopes that the Syrian government and all the relevant parties in Syria vigorously support and cooperate with Mr. Annan's mediation, put an immediate end to all violence,show political will, launch political dialogue at an early date,and strive for an early settlement of the Syrian crisis．