China concerned about ceasefire violations in Syria

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman has said that China is concerned about violations of a truce plan implemented by the United Nations in Syria during the Muslim Eid al-Adha festival. Addressing a press briefing here Monday, spokesman Hong Lei said that China has called for an immediate ceasefire and urged relevant sides in Syria to effectively implement UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi’s ceasefire proposal during the four-day festival, which began last Friday, so as to prevent further casualties. However, violence continued during the holiday and resulted in more casualties, which distressed China, Hong said. “It proves that only political means, rather than the use of force, can realize the impartial, peaceful and proper resolution of the Syrian conflict,” he said. Brahimi paid a visit to Syria last week to push for a ceasefire during the Muslim holiday.