China urges launch of Geneva conference

As the international community prepares for a conference on bringing an end to the conflict in Syria, the Chinese Foreign Ministry says the top priority is for all parties to ensure the conference goes ahead.

"The top priority is to successfully launch the second Geneva conference, while to prevent any action that can further militarise the Syria crisis. Related parties should make positive and constructive roles in pushing forward the political settlement process," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

The spokeswoman said the process was entering its key stage, and related parties should keep in mind that they must uphold peace and stability in Syria, the Middle East and the whole world, and responsibly stick to a political settlement. She added all the parties concerned should also try to find common ground and overcome differences.