All parties concerned should properly deal with the clashes between police and overseas Chinese during a protest in the Italian city of Milan through negotiation and dialogue, Chinese Ambassador to Italy Dong Jinyi said Saturday.

 

In an interview with Italian reporters, Dong said China and Italy have maintained sound exchanges and cooperation in various fields, adding that the "unfortunate" incident does not conform to the development of the two countries' relations.

 

He said he believed that Italy could seek a fair resolution to the incident, give serious considerations to the reasonable demands of the overseas Chinese and protect their legitimate rights, so as to avoid negative impacts on bilateral ties.

 

Most overseas Chinese in Italy are working hard for their survival and development and contribute to the nation's prosperity, as well as having a strong desire to be included in the society, said the ambassador.

 

The Italian police must enforce the law, but should safeguard social order while providing the conditions for Chinese merchants' survival and business operations, Dong said.

 

He said Italian authorities should strengthen communications with Chinese merchants, take their traditions and cultural background into consideration, and provide the necessary assistance for their businesses and living.

 

Chinese merchants should protect their legitimate rights in accordance with the law and take no extreme actions, he said.

 

The Chinese embassy will unswervingly safeguard the legitimate rights of overseas Chinese in Italy, Dong said.

 

At the same time, he added, the embassy will induce them to follow laws and regulations, respect local people's customs, and make concerted efforts with Italians to build a harmonious environment.

 

A Chinese woman was detained on Thursday after a dispute with the Milan police over parking in Milan's Via Paolo Sarpi area.

 

The detention aroused the protest of local Chinese, which led to a clash between local police and Chinese, during which more than 10 overseas Chinese were slightly injured.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 16, 2007)