China concerned about worsening situation in Syria

China on Thursday voiced its deep concern at the longstanding tension and worsening humanitarian situation in Syria, which has been plunged into a political crisis and subsequent violence since March 2011.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi made the statements while speaking at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly, which entered its third day here Thursday.

"China is deeply concerned about the persistent tension and worsening humanitarian situation in Syria," he said.

"We call on all relevant parties in Syria to put an immediate end to fighting and violence, implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, Mr. Kofi Annan's six-point plan and the communique of the foreign ministers' meeting of the Action Group for Syria, and launch an inclusive political dialogue and a Syrian-led political transition as soon as possible."

"China is open towards any political plan that is acceptable to all parties in Syria," he said. "The relevant parties of the international community should play a positive and constructive role in this regard, support with credible steps Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, the UN-Arab League Joint special representative, in conducting impartial mediation, and endeavor to set in motion and advance the process of political transition in Syria."

Brahimi took over as the joint special representative of the United Nations and the Arab League for Syria in August, after his predecessor Annan, who mediated the six-point plan which was widely supported by the international community, decided to step down.