China envoy hails Russia's anti-terror campaign in Syria
China's first special envoy for Syria has given a positive assessment of Russia's role in fighting terrorism in the war-hit country.
On Friday, Xie Xiaoyan said the Russian anti-terrorism operations have been conducted with the consent of the Syrian government.
"Russia's anti-terrorist operations in Syria are part of international counter-terrorism efforts. Russia's military operations in Syria in the past six months have effectively curbed the spread of extremists and terrorists there. I think this is an encouraging progress," Xie told reporters in Beijing on Friday.
China's special envoy, who was appointed last week, reiterated his country’s position and support for a political solution to the conflict in Syria, urging the international community to cooperate on fighting terrorism in Syria.
"Meanwhile, efforts to counter terrorists and extremists within Syria will also help the political settlement of the Syrian issue. It is also a good thing for counter-terrorism endeavors in the region. The international community should look at the larger picture of counter-terrorism in Syria, cooperate closely and form synergies," Xie said.
A handout picture taken on March 16, 2016, and released by the Russian Defense Ministry shows Russian Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack aircraft taking off from the Hmeimim base in Latakia, as part of the partial withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria.
(AFP photo)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the achievements of Moscow's campaign in Syria, saying the operation has “accomplished” its mission in the country.
Russia launched combat sorties against the Takfiri Daesh and other terrorist groups last September upon a request by the Damascus government. Later in mid-March, the bulk of Russian military forces were withdrawn from Syria.
According to a February report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, since March 2011 the conflict in Syria has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others, and displaced nearly half of the country’s pre-war population of about 23 million within or beyond its borders. The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, however, puts the death toll at around 270,000.
