In this Sept 12, 2019, Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), speaks at the UN headquarters in New York. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese envoy on Monday called for commitment to the right direction of a political settlement in Syria, improving the humanitarian situation, lifting unilateral sanctions and economic blockade, and ending foreign occupation and fighting terrorism in the country.

As 10 years of protracted conflict in Syria have brought untold suffering to the country and its people, many issues with regard to the current situation in the country warrant deep reflections, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

Facts have proved time and again that respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity is an international norm that must be upheld, said Zhang at a Security Council meeting.

We must stay committed to the right direction of a political settlement and support the Syrian people in independently deciding the future of their country.

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations

Political solution is the only viable way to address hot-spot issues. Supporting the path of development chosen by the people of every country that suits its national conditions is the fundamental way, he said.

Regime change is not an option, nor will it work. Unilateral sanctions can only aggravate the situation. External military interference can only cause greater disasters and serious consequences, he warned.

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Under the current circumstances, the international community should adopt a holistic approach, integrating the political, security, economic, and humanitarian aspects, so as to jointly promote the early achievement of peace, security, and development, said Zhang.

"We must stay committed to the right direction of a political settlement and support the Syrian people in independently deciding the future of their country," he said.

China calls on all parties in Syria to cooperate with the UN mediation, to jointly promote progress in the work of the Constitutional Committee. The Syrian political process should adhere to the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principle and the international community should firmly support the Syrian people in exploring their path of development, he said.

The Constitutional Committee should remain independent and free from external interference. The Astana process and related regional countries can play a coordinating and facilitating role. China welcomes the fact that relevant Arab states are positively considering Syria's return to the Arab League. This is conducive to advancing the political process in Syria, which should be encouraged and supported by the international community, he added.

"We must fully leverage the leading role of the Syrian government so as to fundamentally improve the humanitarian situation on the ground," said Zhang.

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Given the acute pandemic and food security issues in Syria, targeted relief assistance should be provided with a focus on the humanitarian needs of women, children, and other vulnerable groups. Recently, through bilateral channel, China has provided Syria with 150,000 doses of vaccines and 750 tons of rice as the first batch, and will continue to contribute to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Syria, he said.

China welcomes COVAX in providing vaccines to the Syrian people. The Syrian government is cooperating with the United Nations, nongovernmental organizations and other partners in advancing the humanitarian operations and bringing large amounts of medical supplies to the northeast through cross-line delivery. China appreciates those efforts, said Zhang.

We must fully leverage the leading role of the Syrian government so as to fundamentally improve the humanitarian situation on the ground.

Zhang Jun

The international community should support the United Nations in opening the humanitarian delivery route from Damascus to the northwest as soon as possible, which will gradually reduce Syria's reliance on a cross-border mechanism, he said.

Unilateral sanctions and economic blockade should be lifted to help Syria restore normal order, said Zhang.

With the economy in distress, the prices of oil and other commodities in the country have doubled. And the Syrian pound has depreciated 99 percent from its pre-war period. Relying on aid alone cannot solve the problems. Achieving economic and social recovery and development is the durable solution, he said.

China appreciates the action by the Syrian government to take up its responsibility to move ahead the agricultural reforms and promote trade cooperation. At the same time, it must be noted that unilateral coercive measures and the lack of reconstruction assistance have become the main obstacles to serious economic recovery, he noted.

The lifting of unilateral coercive measures is a call for justice, and denying the serious harm of unilateral coercive measures is nothing but self-deception, he said.

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The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs should comprehensively assess the humanitarian impact of unilateral coercive measures and submit a report to the Security Council, he said.

China calls on the international community to extend a helping hand to Syria in rebuilding infrastructure and safeguarding people's livelihood. Relevant assistance should follow the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and cannot be linked to the political process, said Zhang.

Foreign occupation must be stopped, and terrorism inside Syria must be eradicated, he said.

China supports efforts by the Syrian government to safeguard its national sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. And China opposes intentions and actions that endanger Syria's national security and divide Syrian territory, he said.

Entrenched in Syria, terrorist groups listed by the Security Council can stir up chaos any moment, threatening the security and stability of the country, and even the entire region. The international community must remain vigilant, strengthen cooperation, and resolutely combat terrorism in accordance with international law and Security Council resolutions, he said.

Countless facts have proved that on the question of anti-terrorism, politicization and double standards benefit no one and can cause endless harm, he warned.

An early solution to the Syrian issue is the ardent hope of the Syrians, and is in the interests of regional countries and the international community at large. China wholeheartedly hopes that Syria can emerge from the gloom of war as soon as possible and restore peace and tranquillity. China will continue to play a constructive role in this respect, he said.