Chinese FM meets Syrian opposition leader, urging negotiations

BEIJING -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the president of Syria's main opposition National Coalition Thursday, urging it to participate without preconditions in negotiations to end the Syrian conflict.

China hopes Syria's opposition including the National Coalition can seize opportunity and support the United Nation's peace-making efforts, Wang told Khaled Khoja.

"We expect the Syrian government and opposition to exchange views within the framework of UN resolutions, cement understanding and trust, and seek acceptable solutions," Wang said.

He hailed Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem's positive remarks on joining UN-led negotiations during his visit to China in late December.

"The UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2254 on Syria has outlined the direction in political settlement of the Syria issue," Wang said.

Khoja said the coalition supports UNSC Resolution 2254, and is committed to finding a political solution.

He advocated the Syrian government and opposition taking measures to gradually build trust through dialogue and negotiation.

Wang said China always stands for fairness and is committed to helping facilitate peace talks in the Middle East.

"The final criteria for solving hot issues is whether the solution would bring peace to people and meet the overall and long-term interests of countries involved," he said.

Wang also said China would offer humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees.