China on Friday called on Syria's opposition to respond to the six-point peace plan proposed by UN-Arab League joint envoy Kofi Annan as soon as possible.

"China welcomes the positive response from the Syrian government to Annan's proposal. At the same time, we urge the opposition to give a prompt and practical response to the peace plan, to create conditions for ending violence and initiating political dialogue," said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman at a regular press briefing.

Spokesman Hong Lei's remarks came in reply to a question on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's response to the Arab League (AL) summit, which ended in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Thursday.

Assad, in his letter to leaders of the five-nation BRICS bloc, said that his country has accepted Annan's six-point proposal, and would exert all efforts to make his mission a success.

Assad stressed that in order to make Annan's mission successful, there should be concentration on halting all support to terrorism in Syria, especially by countries whose officials have declared their financing and arming of the armed terrorist groups in Syria.

"We hope the Syrian government will implement their commitments as soon as possible," Hong added.

He called on concerned parties in the international community to back Annan's mediation efforts, and promote a fair, peaceful and appropriate settlement of the Syria issue.

"China appreciates the contents of the Baghdad declaration, approved by the AL summit, regarding support for political settlement of the Syrian crisis as well as Annan's mediation efforts, and opposition to external interference," said the spokesman.

The Arab leaders wrapped up the AL summit on Thursday after approving the final statement, in which they called on Syria's government to immediately stop violence, withdraw forces and start talks with the opposition based on Annan's six-point peace plan, which should be implemented fully and immediately.

(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2012)