BEIJING, (SANA)_China is not an obstacle to solving the crisis in Syria but a positive power pushing for reaching a political settlement, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Wimin said.

In a press conference on Friday, Liu said that Syria has so far averted a comprehensive war thanks to the efforts of the international community, including China, adding that ''these efforts have helped create new opportunities to settle the crisis politically.''

Liu reiterated emphasis that China is committed to protecting the goals of the UN Charter and the basic rules governing international relations, as well as preserving peace and security in the Middle East and defending the basic interests of the Syrian people.

Liu's remarks come in response to statements by the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last Thursday accusing Russia and China of obstructing formation of an ''international alliance'' against Syria.

M. Ismael