Political settlement urged for Syria

A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called for the promotion of a political settlement of the Syria crisis, improve the security situation in the area, and address the challenges the country faces in its economic and humanitarian sectors.

The decadelong Syria crisis has led to a worrisome security and humanitarian situation. The United Nations, especially the Security Council, must step up efforts for an early end to the crisis to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

"We must spare no effort in pushing for a political settlement of the Syria issue," he told the Security Council. The meeting took place as the presidential election kicked off in Syria on Wednesday.