Only Syrian People Should Decide Their Future – Chinese Envoy

Syrians themselves should decide the future of their country, China's Special Envoy on the Middle East Issue Gong Xiaosheng said during a press conference at the Chinese embassy on Wednesday.

Xiaosheng said he had constructive talks with Iranian officials on Wednesday morning, adding that terrorism is a threat to the entire world, not a specific country or region, IRNA reported.

He expressed confidence that the crises in Syria and Yemen have political solutions.

Beijing does not interfere in Syria’s internal affairs and it is the Syrian people who should decide the future of their country, he stressed.

Thus, China has reaffirmed its stance over the future of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and the resolution of the Syrian crisis. Moscow has repeatedly advocated the same approach to the issue.

Xiaosheng urged the international community, especially the UN, to contribute to the peaceful settlement and national reconciliation in Syria and Yemen.

The official also called for an immediate ceasefire in the war-torn regions and the sending of humanitarian aid there.

China was satisfied with the result of the first Vienna meeting on the Syrian crisis and will attend the next round of talks, he added.

According to Xiaosheng, China wants to be a significant player in the Middle East, including in resolving the Palestinian issue in coordination with all sides of the talks.