China urges Syria's interim government to fulfill counterterrorism obligations

The Syrian interim authorities should earnestly fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations and take all necessary measures to combat all terrorist organizations listed by the Security Council, including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, at a Security Council meeting on the Syria issue on Tuesday. 

Fu said multiple violent terrorist incidents have occurred in Syria, heightening the risk of the expansion and resurgence of terrorist organizations and extremist forces by taking advantage of the situation, which is a cause for concern.

He noted that Syria is at a critical juncture in achieving political stability and economic recovery. Despite the recent active efforts by the Syrian parties, including those to promote internal reconciliation, the domestic situation remains complex and fragile.

It is reported that some foreign terrorist fighters in Syria have recently been integrated into the Syrian national army. Fu said, China is gravely concerned about such developments.

Fu urged the Syrian interim authorities to earnestly fulfill their counter-terrorism obligations and immediately take all necessary measures to combat all terrorist organizations listed by the Security Council, including the ETIM, also known as the Turkistan Islamic Party. 

He also called on Syrian interim authorities to address the concerns of the international community, and restore peace and stability with the help of the international community, so that the Syrian people can live in stability and dignity at an early date. 

Referring to the escalation between Israel and Iran, the Chinese envoy warned that the conflict risks dragging Syria back into instability.

Fu said China is deeply concerned about Israel's attacks on Iran, which caused the spike of military conflicts. If the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate or even spill over, Syria and other countries in the Middle East will inevitably bear the brunt.