Annan in China to hold talks on Syria

Kofi Annan, the joint UN-Arab League envoy, is in China to seek Beijing's support for his peace proposal to end violence in strife-torn Syria, after winning Moscow's full backing.

Annan, who will hold talks with Wen Jiabao, the prime minister, on the plan which calls for a UN-supervised halt to fighting and pushes for a transition to a more representative political system, says the crisis cannot be allowed to "drag on".

The former UN secretary-general's visit to Beijing comes amid continued shelling of the city of Homs by Syrian troops.

China, along with Russia drew international criticism earlier this year for blocking a UN Security Council resolution condemning Syria's deadly crackdown on anti-government protests.

China's foreign ministry said on Monday that Beijing supported Annan's efforts to mediate the crisis, but it was unclear whether this meant full support for  the envoy's plan or broad backing for his attempts.

"China values and supports the mediation efforts of Annan and hopes this visit will allow in-depth discussions on a political resolution of the  Syrian issue," Hong Lei, the foreign ministry spokesman, said.

Speaking in Moscow before leaving, Annan said the crisis could not be allowed to "drag on", but said any timetable required agreement from all sides.

Russia has offered support for his plan, which proposes a UN-supervised ceasefire and political dialogue.

Violence, meanwhile, continued unabated in Syria with a video showing towering flames leaping up from at least two locations in the central city of Homs.

Residents accused the army of indiscriminate shelling.