Vice Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi on Monday met with Ibrahim Gambari, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's special advisor, saying China supports the mediation of the UN secretary-general on Myanmar.

Wang said China closely watches the situation in Myanmar and hopes the country can maintain stability, development, democracy and harmony.

"The current situation in Myanmar is moving forward," Wang said, adding China welcomed the Southeast Asian country's seven step road map and timetable to ensure the emergence of a peaceful, modern and discipline flourishing democratic nation.

The Myanmar issue involved complicated elements and its solution only depends on the country's government and people through dialogue. The international society could provide constructive assistance; however, imposing pressure and sanctions couldn't solve the problem, Wang said.

China supports mediation by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban and Gambari, Wang said.

Gambari briefed Wang about his recent visits to relevant countries and his consideration about the next step towards a solution. He said it is a process of mediation for the Myanmar issue, and he will continuously make active efforts for it on the precondition of fully respecting the country's sovereignty.

On the same day, Chinese Assistant Foreign Ministers He Yafei and Liu Jieyi met or held talks with Gambari, respectively.

Gambari started his two-day visit to China on Monday, aiming to exchange views on the Myanmar situation.

(Xinhua News Agency February 19, 2008)