Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji on Sunday called for continued international efforts to push further the Middle East peace process and find an early solution to the Palestinian issue.

In a written message to the conference marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Zhu said: "I would like to take this opportunity to call on the international community to attach greater importance to the just cause of the Palestinian people and work harder to facilitate the continued progress of the Middle East peace process, and help realize the aspiration of the Palestinian people at an early date."

Zhu reviewed the progress made in the 50-year efforts by the Palestinian people under the leadership of President Yasser Arafat to recover the lost land and restore their legitimate national rights and interests, hailing their achievement of self-rule among "positive results" through peace talks with Israel.

Particularly, he hailed the September signing of the Sharm el-Sheikh Memorandum, which cleared the way for implementing the 1998 peace deal Wye Accord and relaunching the Palestine permanent

status talks and the talks that have led to the late October opening of the safe passage connecting the Palestinian Autonomous Area.

In the message, Premier Zhu reiterated China's policy to support the Palestinian people and the Middle East peace process.

He expressed hope for the Palestinian people to make new progress in peace talks and in their bid for the restoration of their national rights and interests and the establishment of an

independent state. (Xinhua)