China calls on both sides to end violence

China on Saturday called on the Syrian government and other "parties concerned" to cease all acts of violence and seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis, Xinhua reported, citing the Chinese foreign ministry. The state news agency said the ministry had released a statement, attributed to an unnamed official, calling for dialogue between the regime and those expressing "political aspirations".
"In the statement, the leading official urges the Syrian Government and parties concerned to immediately, fully, and unconditionally cease all acts of violence, particularly violence against innocent civilians," Xinhua reported.