China's UN Ambassador Zhang Yesui on Wednesday called on concerned parties to create "favorable conditions" for an early resumption of Palestinian- Israeli peace talks.

Addressing the Security Council in an open debate, Zhang, the council president for January, said that China remains "deeply concerned over the stalemate in the Middle East peace process and the bleak prospects for resumption of the peace talks."

"We hope the parties concerned will strengthen their belief in the peace talks, overcome the difficulties and interruptions, create favorable conditions for an early resumption of the peace talks, and avoid acts that may erode the mutual trust or prejudge the outcome of the negotiations," he said.

Zhang urged Israel to freeze all settlements activity and cease the building of separation walls.

"We urge Israel to open all the border crossings to Gaza, and ensure that the region achieves reconstruction as soon as possible and its people return to normal life," he said.

Zhang also emphasized the importance of Palestine's internal reconciliation, voicing hope that all factions "bear in mind the long-term interests of the nation and work together to strive for the Middle East peace process."

He also urged the international community to "redouble its efforts to push for all parties to build the momentum for negotiations and inject new impetus into the peace process."

(Xinhua News Agency January 28, 2010)