Chinese envoy calls for restart of peace talks between Palestine, Israel

A Chinese envoy to the UN on Tuesday called on Palestine and Israel to "move towards each other" and restart their peace talks as soon as possible.

"The recent situation in the Middle East remains volatile. Solving the question of Palestine and Israel has become more important and more urgent," said Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN at a Security Council open debate.

Noting that the question of Palestine is "at the core" of the question in the Middle East, Wang said: "Both Palestine and Israel should adhere to the strategic choice of peace talks."

"The creation of an independent state of Palestine through peace talks and the peaceful coexistence of the two countries is the only way out," he said, adding "we hope that Israel will demonstrate good will and sincerity, stop the construction of settlement and lift completely the blockade on Gaza."

The envoy noted that Israel's legitimate security concerns should also be taken care of.

He urged the Security Council to "play a bigger role" on the issue and make more efforts to promote peace talks, stop occupation and facilitate reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, and called on the international community to enhance coordination in encouraging peace talks as well as in assisting the construction of the Gaza Strip.

China firmly supports the people of Palestine in its just cause for the restoration of their legitimate national rights, said Wang, adding that China has been actively engaged with the parties concerned to facilitate dialogue and promote peace.

"We have always supported Palestine and Israel living in peace and security. We are open to all initiatives that will contribute to the restart of peace talks. China will continue its effort to find a solution to the question of Palestine and alleviate humanitarian situation," he said. Endite