Visiting China's special envoy on Middle East issues Sun Bigan said on Saturday that China is in favor of solving the Palestinian-Israeli dispute through talks on the basis of UN resolutions concerned and the principle of "land for peace."

 

Sun met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah, during which they exchanged views on developments of Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

 

Hailing the formation of Palestinian national unity government, Sun said China has been attaching importance to the Middle East issues and insisting that the Palestinian-Israeli issue should be solved through talks on the basis of concerned UN resolutions and the "land for peace" principle.

 

The diplomat reiterated China's determination to continue supporting the just Palestinian cause to renew legitimate rights.

 

Sun expressed hope that under the leadership of Abbas, Palestinian factions would strive for achieving the goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state.

 

Abbas, for his part, expressed his high appreciation of the friendship with China and he also thanked China for its long-term support.

 

He said Palestinian political groups will strengthen solidarity, continue to collect understanding and support of the international community and resume talks with Israel as soon as possible.

 

Sun, who arrived on Friday for a two-day visit to the Palestinian territories, also met with Deputy Prime Minister Azzamel-Ahmad and Foreign Affairs Minister Zeyad Abu Amer.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2007)