China, EU urge swift implementation of UN resolution on Lebanon

Leaders of China and the European Union (EU) attending the EU-China Summit on Saturday urged all parties in the Middle East to play a constructive role in helping to swiftly implement UN Resolution 1701.

In a joint statement issued after the summit attended by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen of Finland, whose country holds the six-month EU presidency, and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, the two sides welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 which led to the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah that started July 12 and left 1,200 people dead in Lebanon and 159 in Israel.

The statement said the resolution "sets the required framework for a political settlement of the crisis supported by the reinforced UNIFIL forces in which the EU Member States are playing a leading role."

The two sides also stressed their determination to bring humanitarian assistance to the people of Lebanon.

UN Security Council Resolution 1701 established a cease-fire that began on Aug. 14. The measure calls for an international force to be deployed in southern Lebanon and for the Lebanese Shiite Muslim militia to disarm and stop importing weapons.

Source: Xinhua