Peace Talks Only Way Out for Palestine Issue: Chinese PMPremier Zhu Rongji said that the only way out for the Palestine issue is a political solution through peaceful talks on the basis of relevant UN resolutions and under the "land-for-peace" principle."This will not only serve the fundamental interests of all countries in the region, including Palestine and Israel, but also contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world at large," Zhu said in a message Tuesday to a New York conference marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People scheduled for Wednesday, November 29. "The Palestine issue is at the core of the Middle East question." Zhu approved of Palestinian people's efforts to recover lost territory, return to their homeland and restore legitimate national rights and interests. "We hold that legitimate national rights and interests of the Palestinian people should be restored, and that the Palestinian people have the right to establish their independent state, and sovereignty and security of all countries in the Middle East be guaranteed. "Only in this way can a comprehensive, just and lasting peace be realized in the Middle East region." Zhu also expressed grave concerns over the violent clashes between Israel and Palestinians since September. "Such developments fully indicate that a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestine issue is still faced with major difficulties and obstacles and that the efforts of the Palestinian people to fully restore their legitimate national rights and interests call for still greater support and assistance from all peace-loving forces in the world," Zhu said. As amply shown by facts, he said, the use of force can only lead to further deterioration of the situation and political negotiations are the only way out. "We strongly appeal to all parties concerned to return to the negotiating table and seek a peaceful solution to the question." Zhu also called on the international community, especially the UN, to play a "bigger and more active role" and pledged China's support for the Middle East peace process and its willingness to cooperate with other countries in this regard. |
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