Mr. Chairman,

The issue of the Middle East and Palestine has long been a major concern of the international community.  For many years, the bloody conflict between Palestine and Israel has caused untold human suffering, material losses as well as deep psychological wounds to the two peoples and created serious difficulties for the Middle East peace process. The never-ending deadlock of the Middle East issue not only endangers peace and stability in the region, but also threatens the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of the region.

Fortunately, in recent months, some positive trends have emerged in the Middle East. Leaders from the two sides have demonstrated statesmen's courage and opted decisively for ceasefire and the resumption of talks, and hence visible progress has been registered in the Palestinian-Israeli relations. The international community has also intensified its peace effort, and the Middle East peace process has thus entered a new phase. The Chinese side sincerely hopes that the two sides will seize the momentum and persevere in their peace effort, not allowing individual cases of violence to derail such effort, so as to make new progress in the Middle East peace process.

Mr. Chairman,

History shows that the resolution of the Mid-East issue not only requires the determination and effort from the Palestinian and Israeli sides, but also the assistance and support from the international community. Under the current circumstances, it is of particular importance for the international community to ensure extensive participation in and effective support for the Middle East peace process.  This Commission has conducted in-depth discussions on the Mid-East issue and adopted relevant resolutions every year, thus playing an important role in supporting the Palestinian people in their effort to restore their legitimate rights and in striving for a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. The whole international community, this Commission included, should continue to uphold the purposes and principles contained in the UN Charter, the relevant resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly, the UN Security Council as well as this Commission, and take effective measures to facilitate an early, fair and just solution to the Middle East and Palestinian issue.

Mr. Chairman,

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has all along supported the Middle East peace process and made unremitting efforts to help defuse tensions in the region and promote the constant progress of peace in the Middle East. Near the end of last year, the Chinese representative visited Palestine and Israel and put forward China's four-point proposal on the Middle East issue. China also attended the London Conference in support of the Palestinian National Authorities. The Chinese side maintains that all the parties concerned should make joint efforts to build mutual confidence and resume the peace talks; the Road Map should be re-started, and the Palestinian state be established; a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East be actively pursued; and the international community should intensify its support for the United Nations, especially the UN Security Council, to play a greater role.  The Chinese government is ready, together with other members of the international community, to work for the realisation of a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.