CHINA> National
Chinese FM, UN chief discuss Gaza conflict over phone
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-01-11 15:49

BEIJING -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon exchanged views on the situation in the Gaza Strip over telephone on Sunday.


United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon (R) shakes hands with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas as Abbas arrived for their meeting prior to a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the crisis in Gaza at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, January 6, 2009. [Agencies]

During the conversation initiated by the UN chief, Yang said the UN Security Council Resolution 1860 once again reflected the strong desire from the international community for an immediate ceasefire, the alleviation of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and the promotion of peace and stability in the region.

Yang stressed that the desperate priority should be the faithful observance of the resolution by all parties involved.

Related readings:
 China backs UN Gaza resolution, urges withdrawal
 China's envoy to visit Middle East to ease tensions
 China urges immediate ceasefire in Gaza
 Israel, Hamas defy UN call for ceasefire

 FM: China supports new UN resolution on Gaza

First, the immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip should be realized; and secondly, the humanitarian crisis should be mitigated as soon as possible while noninterference into the humanitarian assistance and security of the UN personnel should be feasibly guaranteed, Yang said.

Yang added that China would continue to make its efforts to ease the tension, alleviate the crisis and push for a ceasefire negotiation.

Ban expressed his complete agreement with Yang and said he would make a visit to Gaza shortly in hopes of ensuring the implementation of the resolution 1860.

Yang and Ban also exchanged views on other international and regional issues such as those of Myanmar and Sudan's Darfur.