China Warns UN Probe Into Idlib Attacks to Have Implications on Political Process - Envoy

UNITED NATIONS (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 19th September, 2019) The launching of the UN board of Inquiry into airstrikes against civilian facilities in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib might produce adverse effects on the political process in the country, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Wu Haitao said at a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday.

"There is a lot of controversy over the Secretariat's move to establish a Board of Inquiry into incidents in northwestern Syria. China is concerned about the implications this move may have on the serious political process," Wu said.

Wu added that launching the political process in Syria will help to improve the humanitarian situation in the country.

The Board of Inquiry to investigate the series of incidents in which UN-supported facilities in a dozen locations in northwest Syria have been destroyed or damaged in airstrikes since late April will commence its work on September 30.

The probe was launched by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on August 1 after two-thirds of the Security Council members expressed concern over the lack of an inquiry into the incidents.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has described the UN probe as provocative in nature, saying that it was promoted by countries that are hostile to the Syrian government and the joint counterterrorism efforts it has undertaken with Russia.