Speaking at a press conference after his recent trip to the Middle East, Wang stressed the importance of bringing an equitable and lasting peace in the conflict-plagued Middle East.

"A comprehensive, just and lasting peace should be achieved," said Wang. "If the resolution is not comprehensive and just, then peace won't last."

Wang stressed that any resolution should take into consideration the interests of all the parties.

In his first trip as the special envoy to the Middle East, Wang held talks with the leaders and foreign ministry officials in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and Palestine from November 6 to 14. He also met Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Amre Moussa and special envoys from the European Union, the United States, Russia and the United Nations.

Wang said he hoped violence by Palestinian extremists ends, adding that such activities only harm civilians, fan hatred and will not help the resolution of the issue. He also said he hopes Israel will stop military attacks on Palestinians and improve the deteriorating humanitarian situations in Palestinian areas.

"China supports the resumption of the legitimate national rights for Arabs and Palestinians, including the establishment of a Palestinian state," Wang reiterated. "At the same time China also thinks the security of Israel should be assured."

A veteran diplomat of Middle East affairs, Wang was appointed to his present position in September. His recent trip, which he said was "constructive" and "fruitful," has been given much publicity both at home and in the Middle East.

China has good relations with all parties involved in the conflict and they all attach great importance to China's influence and role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council on this matter, Wang said.

Though he did not elaborate on whether China will join the European Union, the United States, Russia and the United Nations in four-party talks on the issue, Wang said China will continue to consult with the relevant parties for a peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict.

(China Daily November 22, 2002)