Jiang, Barak Discuss Middle East Peace

Jiang and Barak Hold Joint Press Briefing

Chinese President Jiang Zemin expressed his conviction Thursday that leaders in the Middle East have wisdom and courage to realize the "peace of the brave" in the region.

Jiang told Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak during their meeting Thursday afternoon that it is natural that there are difficulties and obstacles in the present negotiations on the Middle East peace, but the difficulties can be overcome.

Jiang expressed his appreciation for the efforts Barak has made for re-launching the peace negotiations since he took office last July.

Briefing Jiang on the latest developments in the Middle East peace process, Barak said that Israel will spare no efforts to push forward the process.

Jiang, Barak Talks in Jerusalem

He noted that as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, China has played an important role in the Middle East peace process, and Israel hopes that China will exert more influence on the issue.

After the meeting, Jiang and Barak met the press and answered questions about the economic cooperation between the two countries.

Jiang is paying a state visit to Israel, the first leg of his five-nation tour which will also take him to Palestine, Turkey, Greece and South Africa.