China hopes Syrian talks proceed without preconditions

 China hopes the Syrian government and opposition delegations will participate in the Geneva talks without preconditions, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said Monday.

"China welcomes the new round of the Geneva meeting as it signals the international effort to push for a political settlement to the Syrian crisis," Lu said at a regular news briefing.

The UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura has separately met representatives of the Syrian government and the main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) since the talks began on Friday.

This is the third time rival Syrian parties have come to the negotiating table after meetings in Geneva in 2012 and 2014 failed to resolve the crisis.

Talks, which may be long and difficult, are the only way to resolve the Syrian issue. China hopes the two sides will lift preconditions and find what fits the county and people best, Lu said.

The Syrian government and opposition should take measures to build trust in each other, by lifting sieges and allowing humanitarian access, to contribute to the success of the talks, the spokesperson said.

Major countries and regional players should assist in the talks. China will continue working with the international community to promote dialogue for a political resolution, Lu said.

The indirect talks in Geneva are part of a process outlined in a UN resolution last December that envisages an 18-month timetable for a political transition in Syria, including the drafting of a new constitution and elections.

The first stages of the talks are expected to last between two and three weeks and the entire talks over six months.
 (Xinhua)
1/2/16