English.news.cn 2012-03-28 20:09:51

BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday called on relevant parties in Mali to resolve the current crisis through dialogue and negotiations.

"We think the priority should be to resume normal constitutional order and social stability as soon as possible. Relevant parties there should find an appropriate way to resolve the crisis through dialogue and negotiations," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei.

Hong made the remarks at a regular press briefing while commenting on the current situation in Mali. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decided to suspend Mali's membership on Tuesday, a move to press the country to return to constitutional order.

"China appreciates and supports the efforts made by the African Union, ECOWAS and regional countries to mediate the Mali issue," said Hong.

He also called on relevant sides in Mali to actively respond to the concerns of the international community and carry out cooperation with regional organizations, so as to properly resolve the crisis through peaceful means.

The ECOWAS decision was made at a special summit held in Abidjan, the economic hub of Cote d'Ivoire, whose President Alassane Ouattara chairs ECOWAS.

A group of soldiers calling themselves the National Committee for Redressement of Democracy and Restoration of the State on Thursday toppled President Amadou Toumani Toure, accusing him of poorly handling Tuareg rebels in northern Mali.