Solve crisis through talks

Updated: 2012-04-13 08:07

(China Daily)

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Dear sir, I am writing to you concerning your editorial "Honor Syrian Ceasefire" published on Wednesday, April 11. Whereas I fully support your main argument, that all parties should implement and honor a ceasefire, I would like to draw your attention to the following:

First, Syria has publicly committed itself to the success of Kofi Annan's plan. It is the interest of Syria to have a cease-fire and end the violence committed by the armed terrorist groups. This also happens to be the official position of China.

Second, the so-called Syrian Observatory of Human Rights is a fake organization run by two individuals residing in London.

Their daily reports on Syria have been exposed time and again as sheer propaganda and massive lying aimed at creating a perception of Syria similar to that created in Lybia prior to the NATO intervention. Numerous independent Western media outlets have already exposed the shady nature of this organization. However, major Western powers use this organization as their main propaganda instrument against Syria.

Third, as for the demand of the Syrian government that assurances should be provided by armed groups regarding halting all forms of violence, I hope that you agree with me that the duty and obligation of any government in the world is to maintain law and order, as well as protecting its citizens from unlawful groups. Requesting that armed groups halt violence is the most legitimate and logical demand any government in a similar situation will do.

Fourth, asking foreign governments to abstain from financing and arming terrorist groups is in accordance with the UN charter and international norms. After all, the foreign ministers of Qatar and Saudi Arabia have publicly and on the record admitted that they are financing and arming terrorist groups in Syria.

Fifth, the Syrian government still believes that the only possible solution to the crisis is through a political process and a national dialogue, and definitely not through violence and US-led pressures.

Finally, I wish to convey to you my highest admiration for the quality journalism you are providing through your newspaper, and assure you that I will always be available and at your disposal for any information or queries regarding Syria.

Imad Moustapha,

Ambassador of Syria to China, via e-mail

Readers' comments are welcome. Please send your e-mail to opinion@chinadaily.com.cn or letters@chinadaily.com.cn or to the individual columnists. China Daily reserves the right to edit all letters. Thank you.

(China Daily 04/13/2012 page9)