China Urges All Parties in Syria to Cooperate with Annan

Beijing on Tuesday called on all parties in Syria to cooperate with the mediation efforts of Kofi Annan, as the United Nations and Arab League envoy held talks with Chinese leaders.

"We hope that all parties in Syria can cooperate with Mr. Annan's mediation efforts, in order to create conditions for the political settlement of the Syrian issue," foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told journalists.

Annan is in Beijing for talks with a Chinese vice foreign minister and Premier Wen Jiabao after winning Moscow's full backing for his proposal to end violence in strife-torn Syria.

The plan calls for a U.N.-supervised halt to fighting and pushes for a transition to a more representative political system.

Meanwhile, Annan called for China's help and advice as he met with Premier Wen Jiabao.

"I cannot do this job alone, I need help, I need support and I need support and advice from countries like yours and that's why I am here," Annan told Wen at the beginning of talks in Beijing.

"And I know you've already been helpful but this is going to be a long difficult task and I am sure that together we can make a difference."

"Efforts to seek a solution to the Syrian crisis are at a critical juncture," Wen told Annan.

"We believe that your mediation efforts will lead to progress in seeking a solution to the Syrian issue."

China and Russia drew international criticism earlier this year for blocking a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Syria's protracted and deadly crackdown on protests.

But earlier this month both countries backed a U.N. statement urging President Bashar Assad to work toward ceasing hostilities.

Speaking at a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Hong said China was "willing to work with the international community to play a constructive and active role for the peaceful and proper resolution of the Syrian issue.

"Any move of the international community should be conducive to the easing of tensions in Syria, promoting political dialogue and dissolving disputes, as well as upholding peace and stability in the Middle East," he added.