Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Amr Moussa held talks in Cairo yesterday with China's visiting special envoy to the Middle East, Sun Bigan on the Lebanon crisis and the UN Security Council resolution on the situation there. 

 

Despite its imbalance Resolution 1701 contained those major points that were of general concern among Arab nations, Moussa said. He added that Arab nations would help to implement the resolution based on consultation.

 

The AL chief expressed his appreciation to Sun as China has shown high respect to Arab concerns during the discussions and debate on the resolution at the UN Security Council. 

 

Resolution 1701, unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council on Friday, calls for Israel's withdrawal and authorizes an increase of the existing UN force in Lebanon to 15,000 to assist local troops in taking control of south Lebanon as Israel withdraws.

 

Moussa also lauded China's efforts to help solve Mideast issues, saying such efforts are welcomed and appreciated. 

 

For his part, Sun said Resolution 1701 is a major step in the direction of political settlement to the Lebanon crisis and China welcomes and supports it.

 

However, Sun cautioned that the implementation of Resolution 1701 will be much more important, as well as difficult, than passing it and the implementation calls for strenuous efforts by all concerned parties. 

 

Sun called on the international community, particularly concerned parties, to press ahead with the implementation of the resolution, achieve a cease-fire quickly and ease the humanitarian crisis facing the Lebanese. 

 

Sun said China is willing to maintain close contact and consultations with Arab nations during the implementation. He also noted that the international community should continue to show concern and assist in solving the Palestinian-Israeli issue.

 

"Only if the legitimate rights of Arab people are restored can stability and peace in the Middle East have a solid basis," said Sun. 

 

Also on Sunday, Sun met with Egypt's presidential advisor, Osama el-Baz and assistant foreign minister for Arab and Middle East affairs, Hany Khalaf, and discussed with them the latest developments on Lebanon. 

 

The two Egyptian officials expressed appreciation of China's stance and policy on regional issues. They hoped China will continue to play its part in pushing ahead with the Middle East peace process. 

 

Sun arrived in Cairo Saturday for a three-day visit, part of his regional tour starting on August 6, which has taken him to Syria, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories. After Egypt, Sun is expected to visit Saudi Arabia. 

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2006)