China: Political solution in Syria is the only and realistic option

China reiterated its call for finding a political solution to the crisis in Syria, vowing to continue contacts with all the parties concerned to reach this end. "China always considers that the political solution is the only and the realistic option to solve the crisis in Syria," the Chinese Xinhua news agency quoted the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei, as saying in a press conference on Thursday. He added that the priority for now regarding the Syrian issue is to get to implementing the Geneva Statement reached on June 30, 2012 so as to halt the violence and launch a political dialogue. "The international community should play a positive and constructive role in searching for a political settlement to the crisis in Syria," said the Chinese diplomat, pointing out that Beijing is working to consolidate peace and dialogue. He added that China has kept contacts with the Syrian government and opposition and will continue in this way in the future.