Chinese official raises four-point proposal on Mideast issue

Visiting Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan Wednesday raised a four-point proposal aimed at achieving peace in the Middle East.

The proposal includes "resumption of peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel, restarting the roadmap peace plan and establishment of an independent State of Palestine, achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace in the region and more international peace-making efforts," Tang told reporters after a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom.

Tang, former Chinese foreign minister, also met separately with Israeli President Moshe Katsav and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Tuesday.

The roadmap envisions an independent Palestinian state by 2005, and requires Israel and the Palestinians to take a series of steps in the interim.

However, the peace plan, drafted by the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia, has not been implemented since its launch in June 2003.

Tang, who is on the last day of his visit to the region, said it is imperative to put an end to violence, especially military action against civilians, ensure a free and smooth Palestinian election, respect the status and role of a new Palestinian government elected by the people, and improve the humanitarian situation in the region.

He said the US-sponsored roadmap peace plan is a practical and feasible solution to the current Mideast issue.

"An independent State of Palestine should be established quickly," he said.

For his part, Shalom reiterated Israel's promise to do everything possible to ensure a smooth Palestinian election scheduled for January 9, 2005.

But he set a prerequisite for the resumption of peace negotiations with the Palestinians, saying the Palestinian side should stop incitement against the Jewish state.

Source: China Daily