"The two sides should also engage in peace talks according to relevant UN resolutions and signed agreements between them," Wang told a press conference after wrapping up his talks with Egyptian officials and Arab League Chief Amr Moussa.

Earlier in the day, Wang met separately with Moussa, Osama al-Baz, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's political advisor, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher on the current Mideast situation.

"China believes that top priority should be given to the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Arab people, especially the Palestinians, including creating an independent Palestinian state," Wang said at the Chinese Embassy.

"Meanwhile, the existence and security of Israel should be acknowledged," he said.

Regarding the worsening Mideast situation over the past two years, Wang expressed hope that the Palestinians and Israel could work harder to break the cycle of violence and create favorable atmosphere for restarting their peace talks.

"Historical facts have proven that Mideast issues can not be solved through the use of force, but by peaceful means," he said.

"We sincerely hope for comprehensive, just and durable settlement of Mideast issues, and China has maintained close contacts and consultations with regional countries, especially Arab countries, in this respect," he said.

He said he discussed with Moussa the current Mideast situation and how to push forward the derailed peace process, adding that China has always supported international efforts to peacefully solve Mideast issues and push forward the peace process.

"Any peace plan should be accepted by all parties concerned, and also complies with the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinians and Arab people as a whole," Wang said, when asked about a US Mideast roadmap peace plan which envisages a Palestinian statehood with temporary borders by 2003.

As for his visit to Israel, the Chinese envoy said, "I will explain China's stance on Mideast issues to the Israeli side, and also convey to Israel views of Arab countries on the Mideast situation."

Wang arrived in Cairo Wednesday evening to kick off his maiden Mideast tour, which will also take him to Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian self-ruled areas.

"This is my first Mideast tour since I assumed the post in September," he said, adding the mission was "aimed at learning more about views of regional parties on the current situation and exploring ways of how China could better work with others to solve Mideast issues."

At the request of Arab countries, China named Wang as its Mideast envoy in September in an effort to help solve the Arab-Israeli conflict at an early date.

The Mideast region is under crisis as the United States threatens to launch military strikes against Iraq while the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate.

(People?s Daily November 8, 2002)