The following statement has been issued by a spokesperson for the Federal Foreign Office:

This afternoon (29 August), Foreign Minister Westerwelle had a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

In the course of the conversation, Westerwelle stressed that a lasting solution to the conflict in Syria could only be brought about by political means.

At the same time, he underlined that the use of chemical weapons, should it be confirmed, could not be tolerated by the international community.

During the call, Westerwelle once again pressed for the United Nations Security Council to find a united stance with regard to the alleged use of chemical weapons.