Premier Zhu Rongji Tuesday called on Israel and Palestine to
conscientiously implement
United
Nations Security Council Resolution 1397 to halt the violence
and to resume the peace process.
During separate meetings with the visiting Israeli Deputy Prime
Minister and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, Zhu and Vice-Premier
Qian Qichen expressed China's grave concern at the continuation of
the tragic and violent events that have lasted for one and a half
years.
UN
Resolution 1397 of March 13 affirms a vision of a region where
Israel and Palestine live side by side within secure and recognized
borders. It demands the immediate cessation of all acts of
violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and
destruction.
Zhu said the bloody conflicts between the two sides -- which have
led to serious casualties, loss of property and a severe threat to
regional security -- have led to widespread concern among the
international community.
Zhu said all peace lovers in the world, including those in Israel
and Palestine, are unwilling to see the situation deteriorate
further. He called on the two sides to actively cooperate with the
international community's recommendations with the aim of resuming
negotiations.
Qian said China hopes Israel will permit Palestinian President
Yasser Arafat to attend the upcoming Arab summit in the Lebanese
capital, Beirut. He said this would benefit all concerned.
Arafat -- whom Israel has confined to the town of Ramallah since
December -- is still banned from traveling outside the Palestinian
territories.
According to a Palestinian official spokesman, Arafat will not go
to Lebanon to take part in the summit under Israel's conditions and
obstacles.
Peres said Israel attached importance to its relations with China.
He said Israel wishes to enhance cooperation with China in various
fields during the next decade, especially in the economy,
agriculture and science and technology.
(China
Daily March 27, 2002)