Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi announced five principles to
promote the Middle East peace process at the Annapolis conference
on Tuesday.
First, respect history, accommodate each others' concerns and
keep the peace talks on the right track. It is important to start
negotiations on the final status issue, work for the resolution of
issues concerning the boundary, refugees and water resources, and
establish an independent Palestinian state based on the "Roadmap"
and the Arab Peace Initiative., the foreign minister said.
Second, renounce violence, remove obstruction and remain firmly
committed to the peace talks.
Third, advance the peace talks in an all-round and balanced way
and create an environment conducive to the peace talks. The
Palestinian issue and other issues in the Middle East are inter-
related and affect each other. Therefore, the peace talks between
Israel and Syria and between Israel and Lebanon should be restarted
in due course.
Fourth, give priority to development and enhance cooperation to
solidify the foundation of the peace talks. The parties concerned
and the international community should create conditions to
strengthen business ties among countries in the region.
Fifth, build consensus, increase input and enhance support for
the peace talks. The international community should carry out close
cooperation and establish a broad-based, balanced and effective
multilateral mechanism to facilitate and support the peace talks,
Yang said.
He added that China will, as always, play a constructive role in
achieving peace in the Middle East.
(China Daily via Xinhua News Agency November 29,
2007)
