China's deputy UN envoy urges end to foreign occupation of Syria, Israeli strikes

China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations has called on Israel to cease its illegal attacks on Syria, urging foreign forces to also end their military presence in the Arab country. 

Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on the situation in Syria on Wednesday, Geng Shuang emphasized the importance of upholding Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said that a stable political process in Syria cannot be achieved without a favorable security environment. 

Beijing, he added, supports the Damascus government’s intensified efforts against terror and calls on the international community to join forces in line with international law and Security Council resolutions to combat terrorists operating in Syria. 

Geng further said that unilateral sanctions and the illegal plundering of Syria’s resources “must be stopped immediately” as the measures have seriously weakened the country’s ability to recover economically and develop socially.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011, with Western states and their regional allies aiding terrorist groups that are wreaking havoc there.

Syrian forces, backed by Iran and Russia, have managed to win back control of almost all regions of the Arab country.

However, Syria’s northern parts are still controlled by militants and foreign occupation forces.

China urges donors to guarantee humanitarian projects in Syria

Also in his remarks, the Chinese envoy pointed to the humanitarian situation in Syria, saying thanks to the joint efforts of Damascus and the UN, the cross-border relief mechanism has been in stable operation in the Arab country.

He further called on donors to continue their aid commitments and to guarantee that humanitarian projects throughout Syria are adequately funded.

Meanwhile, Geng noted that China supports UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen's efforts to continue to work with all parties in line with a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process.

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Addressing Wednesday’s meeting via video-link, Pedersen said Syria has not been spared from the current escalating tensions across West Asia, citing Israel’s deadly aerial assaults in Homs, Hama, and Dera’a provinces.

He also raised concerns about a surge of attacks by the Daesh terrorist group in Syria, calling for an immediate and sustained de-escalation of hostilities and a cooperative approach to countering terror outfits. 

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