Annan calls for China’s help on Syria

BEIJING–International envoy Kofi Annan on Tuesday called for China’s help and advice as he met with Premier Wen Jiabao on a trip to Beijing aimed at shoring up support for his plan to end violence in Syria.

“I cannot do this job alone, I need help, I need support and I need support and advice from countries like yours and that’s why I am here,” Annan told Wen at the beginning of talks in Beijing.

“And I know you’ve already been helpful but this is going to be a long difficult task and I am sure that together we can make a difference.”

Annan travelled to Beijing for talks after visiting Russia and obtaining Moscow’s full backing for his plan, which calls for a UN-supervised halt to fighting and pushes for a transition to a more representative political system.

China and Russia drew international criticism earlier this year for blocking a UN Security Council resolution condemning Syria’s protracted and deadly crackdown on protests.

But earlier this month, both countries backed a UN statement urging President Bashar al-Assad to work toward ceasing hostilities and endorsing Annan’s proposal.

“Efforts to seek a solution to the Syrian crisis are at a critical juncture,” Wen told Annan.

“We believe that your mediation efforts will lead to progress in seeking a solution to the Syrian issue.”