¡¡DAMASCUS, March 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Syria on Monday voiced understanding for China's anti-secession law, saying Syria firmlysupports China's efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    During a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Syria Zhou Xiuhua, Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said Syria fully understands the law and supports China's peaceful reunification.

    Syria opposes any form of Taiwan independence, Muallem said, stressing that Syria will consistently stand by China in fighting against attempts of Taiwan independence secessionists.

    China's top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), unanimously ratified the anti-secession law Monday, setting a legal framework to prevent Taiwan's secession from China and to promote peaceful national reunification.

    Chinese President Hu Jintao signed a presidential order for theimmediate promulgation of the law at Monday's session. The law became effective upon promulgation.

    The law, which consists of 10 articles, provides for the legislative purpose and scope of application of the legislation, the nature of the Taiwan issue, achieving national reunification through peaceful means and taking non-peaceful means to stop Taiwan's secession from China by the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces. Enditem