Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo in Beijing Tuesday called on the international community to make further efforts to solve the Palestine issue and raised a three-point proposal on this regard.  

Addressing the opening session of the United Nations Meeting for Asia and the Pacific on the Question of Palestine, Dai said the international community should help Palestine and Israel abandon violence, continue peace talks and follow the roadmap plan for the Middle East peace in good faith.

"Currently, the conflicts between Israel and Palestine are continuing, and peace talks are stalled," said Dai. "It is therefore imperative for the international community to show great courage, wisdom and resolve in helping the two parties peacefully solve the question."

To this end, Dai put forward a three-point proposal.

First, efforts should be continued to ensure the United Nations plays its due role in this regard, he said, adding "No peace or harmony would ever be sustained in the Middle East in the absence of the United Nations."

Dai said the relevant Security Council resolutions and the principle of "Land for Peace" constituted the basis for a political settlement of the Middle East issue. It is important for all parties to demonstrate a longer perspective and jointly facilitate a positive role for the United Nations.

According to Dai, the second point is to uphold neutrality and justice in international mediation. It is imperative for the international community to strictly observe the principle of neutrality, objectivity and justice without favoring either party.

Meanwhile, the reasonable concerns and requirements of Palestine and Israel must be taken seriously with equal attention and care, and only on a just, reasonable and comprehensive basis, can the question of Palestine be properly resolved.

Thirdly, the role of civil society must be brought into full play, Dai said, noting that the academic and business communities, non-government organizations and other members of civil society have their unique strengths in appealing for peace and facilitating dialogue.

This is evident in the Geneva Accord agreed upon early this month, thanks to the creative efforts by non-government figures in both Israel and Palestine, said Dai. The Accord represents a positive and useful endeavor, as it echoes the appeal for peace from both parties and casts fresh light on the problem.

Such moves by civil society in resolving the Middle East issue deserve encouragement and strong support, he said.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has been working all along to push forward the Middle East peace process by persuading Palestine and Israel to make peace, Dai said. The three visits by China's special envoy on the Middle East issue have produced good results.

Meanwhile, China has given positive response and support to the peace-making efforts of the international community, in particular, the UN agencies, said Dai. China will continue to back the UN's role in addressing the Middle East issue and is ready to join the rest of the international community in pushing forward the Middle East peace process.

(Xinhua News Agency December 17, 2003)