China champions peace push
Xi greets Intl Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People
President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended his congratulations over the annual International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which is organized by the United Nations.
Xi said in his congratulatory message that an early, comprehensive and fair solution to the Palestinian issue is not only the common aspiration of the international community, but also in the interests of the Palestinians and other peoples in the region and conducive to world peace and stability.
The Palestinian issue has been at the root of problems in the Middle East and has had an important bearing on a lasting peace as well as development and prosperity in Palestine and other countries in the region, the president said in his message.
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was established in the UN General Assembly Resolution 32/40 B of Dec 2, 1977. It is observed by the UN on Nov 29 each year to mark the anniversary of resolution 181, recommending the creation of independent Arab and Jewish States and a Special International Regime for the city of Jerusalem.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pledged on Wednesday that the UN will not waver in its commitment to the Palestinian people.
He said all actors, especially the leadership of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, should “take bold steps and restore faith” in the promise of two states “living side-by-side in peace and security, fulfilling the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples”.
He said the two sides should respect the borders based on the 1967 lines and Jerusalem as the capital of both states — East Jerusalem being the capital of the Palestinian state.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the State of Palestine.
Xi said Chinese people are good friends and partners of the Palestinian people as well as firm advocates for a twostate solution, and the country is a staunch supporter of the Middle East peace process and the just cause of the Palestinian nation to restore its legitimate rights.
He said China is willing to work with the international community to innovate the global peace-promoting mechanism and facilitate an early resumption of Palestine Israel talks in an unremitting effort to realize a comprehensive, just and lasting solution in the Middle East.
Gong Xiaosheng, China’s special envoy on the Middle East issue, called on the international community to play a more constructive role in the peace of the region at a celebration event in Beijing on Thursday.
He also said China will “do more to help Palestine as long as its ability permits”, as the country this year has provided emergency humanitarian aid and made further contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
Abdullah Saleh al-Saadi, ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman and head of the delegation of the envoys of Arab countries in China, expressed gratitude for China’s support for the Palestinian people.