Ban, Chinese foreign minister discuss Syrian crisis over phone

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi discussed the ongoing Syrian crisis over phone on Saturday.

As far as the situation in Syria is concerned, what is imperative now is to immediately realize ceasefire and stop violence, to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control in the country, Yang said.

The international community should continue their support for the mediation efforts of Kofi Annan and should implement his six-point plan, U.N. Security Council resolutions and the Geneva Action Group communique to push for a swift political solution, according to Yang.

Ban said he attaches importance to China's position and role, and that he is willing to keep close contacts with China.