国内英语新闻:China hopes for Iraq stability

BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman has said in the wake of the latest violence in Iraq that China is hoping for an early restoration of peace there.

"China supports the Iraqi government's efforts to safeguard security and stability," Hua Chunying said at a daily news briefing.

Hua said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety and legitimate rights of Chinese nationals and organizations in Iraq and that the embassy in Baghdad has demanded the Iraqi side take effective measures to protect them.

On Tuesday, militants of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) seized the country's second-biggest city of Mosul after days of clashes with Iraqi forces.

On Wednesday, the ISIL took control of the Turkish consulate in the northern city and abducted the diplomatic staff.

Following the conflict, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has warned Chinese citizens in Iraq to keep away from conflict-affected areas and suggested those planning to travel to Iraq suspend their plans.

The ministry and the embassy will continue watching the situation in Iraq closely and take all necessary measures to protect Chinese citizens and organizations there, vowed Hua.