China Deeply Concerned About Macedonian Situation

China on Friday expressed deep concern over the worsening of the security situation in the Republic of Macedonia and its neighboring areas.

"We strongly condemn extremist violence, and believe that the spread of the Kosovo crisis to areas outside the territory of Yugoslavia will cause grave consequences to regional peace and stability," foreign ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi said in a statement.

He said China supports the 1345 resolution adopted by the UN Security Council, and understands the worries of the Macedonian and Yugoslav governments on the current situation and their concerns over national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We welcome the efforts made by Macedonia, Yugoslavia and other relevant countries to ease the tense situation," he added.

The Chinese government has always upheld the stance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Macedonia, Yugoslavia and other countries in the region, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of all nationalities, and properly settling all problems involved on the basis of comprehensively carrying out resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council, Sun said in the statement.

He said China does not have or seek any self interests in the region. The stand China takes is proceeding from safeguarding the United Nations Charter and the widely acknowledged norms of international laws, and safeguarding the common interests of the peoples in the region.

As a permanent member of the Security Council, he said, China will continue to closely follow the development of the situation in the region, and make its due efforts to properly settle the issue.






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