Premier Wen on the issue of Syria

Premier Wen Jiabao meets both Chinese and foreign reporters after the closing ceremony of the annual session of the National People's Congress in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 14, 2012.

Q：China and the Arab countries have had a long history of relations. I see a wide gap between China's position and many other countries' relating to Syria. What's the reason behind China's position? How do you see the Arab people's demand for democracy and the future of relations between China and the Arab countries?

A: Regard to the issue of Syria, China has no self-interest. China made its unbiased judgment on the basis of facts. First, I insist the killing of civilians in Syria must be stopped. Second, China respects the legitimate demand of the Arab people's call for democracy, change and own interests. Third, China supports the UN and the Arab League's mediation effort. Last, China has deeply sympathy for the suffering people and we will commit ourselves to the humanitarian work there.

The Arab people's demand for democracy must be respected. It is a tendency that cannot be held back.

China and the Arab countries have a lot of consensus. China has a constant persistence in cooperating with them. China's position will be understood by other countries.