China pledges support for political settlement in Syria at key moment

Beijing believes that political settlement will put an end to the crisis as there is no alternative to cessation of violence and war/

China will support political settlement of the Syrian crisis at the key moment, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a news conference after talks with Bulgarian counterpart Daniel Mitov.

"China understands and supports the states interested in the settlement of the Syrian crisis, as well as all efforts aimed at fight against terrorism and being in line with international law," the top Chinese diplomat said, noting that "international effort in fight against terrorism should go in the same direction".

"We believe that political settlement will put an end to the crisis as there is no alternative to cessation of violence and war," Wang Yi said. "The Chinese side welcomes all political efforts towards the settlement of the Syrian crisis, we believe that the United Nations will become the final authority that will put an end to it".

"I believe that with support and assistance of the international community and the United Nations, all parties will sit down to the negotiating table and reach the final decision on the settlement of the Syrian crisis," Wang Yi said.

"China has always participated in international anti-terrorist cooperation, we will support political settlement for the crisis at the key moment," the foreign minister said.

Wang Yi is in Bulgaria for an official visit. Talks with his Bulgarian counterpart have focused bilateral trade and economic relations.