Chinese Deputy FM calls for redoubled efforts to win Middle East peace

Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo called Tuesday in London for a redoubling of international efforts to solve the problems of the Middle East and for closer cooperation between Palestine and Israel because the situation in the region is "at another critical juncture".

Addressing the one-day London Meeting on Supporting the Palestinian Authority, Dai said the Chinese government welcomes recent steps taken by both Palestine and Israel to stop violence and restore peace negotiations.

"The situation in Palestine and Israel is at another critical juncture... The four-year-long violence between Palestine and Israel may come to a stop and the historic meeting between leaders of the two sides has brought new hope for a final solution," Dai said.

"To build a Palestine with a sound administration, an effective security system and an economy that can operate normally will contribute to the Middle East peace process," he said.

He said the Chinese government hopes Palestine and Israel will continue efforts "to enhance mutual trust through positive interaction and resume peace talks in an all-round manner as soon as possible."

Dai urged the international community to play a more active role in efforts to win peace in the Middle East.

"The international community should commit itself to a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Middle East issue based on relevant UN resolutions and the principle of 'Land for Peace' and continue taking concrete actions to provide help for Palestine's endeavors for development," he said.

Dai said China hopes to see an early peace in the Middle East and that the country has been providing aid to Palestine. By the end of 2004, China had provided to Palestine various assistance packages and interest-free loans worth 280 million yuan (33.82 million US dollars).

The meeting opened in London on Tuesday focussing on helping the Palestinian Authority to prepare for Israel's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank and get it ready for eventual statehood.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, foreign ministers and senior officials from 23 nations, plus top envoys from six international organizations including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, attended the meeting.