China: seize opportunity in Mideast peace

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-06-24 10:06

RAMALLAH: China's new special envoy on the Middle East issue Wu Sike on Tuesday urged all sides involved in the Middle East peace process to seize the emerging historical opportunity, and realize peace in the Middle East.

Wu arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Tuesday noon, and met with different Palestinian officials during his first visit as the special envoy to the Palestinian territories.

During his meeting with the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, Wu said he highly appreciated the unremitting efforts made by Abbas in pushing forward the peace process, as well as in upholding the Palestinian internal unity.

Wu said the Chinese government, its leaders and people are very concerned about the situation of the Middle East, which is facing a new and historical opportunity at the current time, and will always support the righteous Palestinian cause firmly.

Under such circumstances, to revive the peace negotiation between Israel and the Palestinians, settle the difference and realize peace and stable in the Middle East serve the interests of all sides involved in the peace process, said the envoy, adding that the aim of his current trip to the Middle East is to conduct direct discussions with all sides involved in the issue and to boost the peace process.

Expressing his appreciation on China's long-term support for the Palestinian cause and selfless aid to the PNA, Abbas said the Chinese and Palestinian people have traditional and historical friendship. He said the Palestinian people respect and love China, with a hope that China, along with the international community, could keep pushing forward the peace process toward a proper resolution.

The Chinese envoy also met with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki, and senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat during his visit on the day.

Wu, a former Chinese ambassador to Egypt, was appointed as the special envoy in March this year to replace Sun Bigan.

He has been director of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs of the Foreign Ministry, ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and also the first Chinese plenipotentiary to the Arab League.

Before visiting the Palestinian territories, the envoy paid an visit to Egypt. His first regional trip as an envoy will also take him to Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Russia.