China's envoy urges peaceful solution

Special envoy on Middle East issues Sun Bigan said military attack is not a solution to the Palestine-Israeli dispute, urging the international community to step up efforts to work for a diplomatic solution.

Sun made the remarks in Beijing on Friday after coming back from his first Middle East trip since taking the position in April.

"China is very concerned about the current situation in the Middle East and is participating in finding a solution to the issue," Sun said.

He urged both Israel and Palestine to remain restrained and calm and cease military actions to cool down conflicts and quickly resume negotiations.

He said he had reiterated the Chinese Government's basic stance on the Middle East issue to leaders of the relevant countries during his trip, as tensions escalated.

"China hopes the region will enjoy a just and lasting peace through diplomatic efforts," Sun said, adding UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace" are the road to a solution.

He also said the leaders of the countries he had visited expressed the same view and that his trip has emphasised China's attention to the region.

Sun also expressed his deep concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation in Palestine, urging the relevant countries to resume aid as soon as possible.

"The relevant authorities in China are considering a further proposal to provide aid to Palestine," he said, without providing details.

Sun took his maiden trip to Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Palestine from June 25 in a bid to maintain good relations and to study the latest developments in the Palestinian-Israeli dispute.

Source: China Daily