China Monday hoped for an Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire as soon as
possible to help create the necessary conditions for the early
resumption of peace talks.
Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan told visiting Israeli Deputy Prime
Minister and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres that violence cannot
resolve any problem but only lead to deeper hatred.
Peres briefed Tang on the current situation in the Middle East,
saying Israel appreciated China's efforts towards the Middle East
problem and wished China to continue to promote the peace
process.
Peres said Israel is willing to resume negotiations with Palestine
to resolve their disputes.
Tang expressed China's concern over the further deterioration of
situation in the Middle East, which has led to serious casualties,
loss of property and a severe threat to regional security and
peace.
China is opposed to Israel's invasion of the Palestinian territory
and the damage of the presidential offices of Palestinian President
Yasser Arafat, as well as the prohibition of his personal freedom,
Tang said, noting such actions are not only against principles of
international laws and agreements reached by the two but also
impair Israel's world image.
On
the bilateral relations, Peres said Israel attached importance to
the relations with China, saying bilateral relations can move
steadily amid ups and downs.
Peres expressed Israel's hope to enhance cooperation with China in
various fields, especially in agriculture and science and
technology.
Tang said the development of healthy, stable and mutual-benefit
cooperative ties are in the basic interests of the two peoples.
Tang concluded by expressing China's willingness to work with the
international community to contribute to the peace in the Middle
East.
Tuesday, Peres is scheduled to meet Premier Zhu Rongji and
Vice-Premier Qian Qichen.
(China
Daily March 26, 2002)