China urges continued talks in Mideast peace process
26/11/2008 15:56
China's Ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Yesui yesterday called for
continued political talks in efforts to push forward the Middle East peace
process.
"We firmly believe that political talks constitute the only correct
approach to the Middle East question," Zhang told a plenary session of the UN
General Assembly on the questions of Palestine and the Middle East.
Over the
last year, there have been positive developments since the Annapolis conference
and the Paris international conference on assistance to Palestine, he
said.
Palestinian and Israeli leaders have held several rounds of direct
talks, negotiation groups of both parties have been in close contact and the
international community has made unremitting efforts to promote the peace
process, Zhang said.
Although Palestinian-Israeli talks have not achieved
anticipated results, the core issue of final status has been explored in an
in-depth and frank manner, he said, adding that this will help both sides
continuously narrow differences and lay the foundation for a final settlement
plan.
The Chinese envoy urged both sides to maintain their faith in adhering
to peaceful talks under all circumstances and "strive for a new momentum in the
talks."
"China is deeply concerned at the grave security and humanitarian
situation in Palestine and worried about the recent renewed eruption of violent
conflicts in the Gaza Strip and the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian
situation," he said.
"We urge Israel to actively respond to the UN's appeals
and expeditiously allow unimpeded access of humanitarian goods to the Gaza
Strip," Zhang noted.
The continued construction of settlements by Israel on
the West Bank is not only in violation of Israel's obligations under
international law, but is also detrimental to guaranteeing Israel's own
security, he said.
Zhang appealed to the world community to continue to
provide assistance to the Palestinians.
"Apart from alleviating the
humanitarian situation, the international community should also vigorously help
Palestine to strengthen its capacity-building and accelerate its economic
development," he said.
Xinhua
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