China calls for calm in Ukraine crisis

China urged parties involved in the Ukraine crisis to stay calm on Monday and prevent measures that may escalate tensions, following European Union talks of new sanctions on Russia.

"It is imperative for all to cease fire, stay calm and promote a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis by making use of current communication and coordination mechanisms," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said, responding to a question during routine briefing.

The EU decided early Sunday to give Moscow one week to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis, or the EU will impose tougher sanctions on Russia.

Qin told reporters that sanctions might cause new complexities rather than help solve the Ukraine crisis. The EU member states have different voices and concerns in imposing the sanctions, the spokesman added.

China hopes the talks among Russia, Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in the Belarus capital of Minsk on Monday would achieve positive progress, he said.

Qin said the interests and concerns of all ethnic groups and political parties in Ukraine should be respected and accommodated while settling the crisis.

China called on all parties concerned to take practical measures to build trust, ease the situation and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, the spokesman said.

Xinhua

(China Daily 09/02/2014 page12)