China explains veto of Syrian draft resolution

China on Monday said it will continue to play a positive role in the proper settlement of the Syrian issue after it vetoed a draft resolution on the country.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin made the remarks when asked why China vetoed the draft resolution at a regular press briefing.

Russia and China on Saturday both vetoed an Arab-European draft resolution backing an Arab League plan to promote regime change in Syria.

China has been closely following the situation in Syria, said Liu.

"We call on all parties in Syria to stop violence, avoid casualties of innocent civilians, restore order in the country as soon as possible, and respect the reasonable request of the Syrian people for reform and safeguarding of their own interests," he said. "This serves the fundamental interests of Syria and its people."

Liu said China supports the efforts made by the Arab League to facilitate a political settlement of the Syria issue and maintain stability in the region.

He reaffirmed that the action of the UN Security Council on the Syrian issue should comply with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and relevant international norms, and help ease the tensions, help promote political dialogue and defuse disputes, and help maintain peace and stability in the Middle East region.

"According to these principles, China has taken an active part in the consultations on the draft resolution," he said.

However,it was regrettable that co-sponsor countries of the draft resolution pressed for the voting when parties were still seriously divided over the issue, which would not help maintain the unity and authority of the Security Council, or help resolve the issue, he said.

"In this context, China voted against the draft resolution," he said.

He reiterated that China would continue to work with the international community and play a positive and constructive role in the proper settlement of the Syrian issue.