"President Yasser Arafat is the leader of the Palestinian people and represents a banner for the national cause of the Palestinian people. Any words on getting rid of him are unacceptable," said Kong Quan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Kong made the remark at a regular press conference in Beijing Thursday.
On China's stance on the Middle East issue, Kong said, there were four aspects to be taken into consideration.
Firstly, Israel's occupation of Arab territories should be ended in line with the related resolutions by the United Nations and the legal rights and interests of the Palestinian people should be restored. Meanwhile, Israel's security should be ensured, he said.
Secondly, he said, the "land for peace" principle should be respected.
Thirdly, China opposes to Israel's use of force and to its violent actions against innocent civilians.
Fourthly, China appeals the international communities to focus ore attention and efforts on the Middle East issue. The United Nations is expected t play a bigger role in settlement to the issue.
(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2002)
