(Januray 19, 2011) 

Mr. President,

I wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Pascoe for his briefing. I have also listened carefully to the statement made by the Permanent Observer of Palestine.

The current situation in the Middle East remains complex and fragile and is a source of concern. The international community should continue to push for a political settlement of the question of Palestine. This is not only in line with the universal expectations of the people of the region, including the Palestinians and Israelis, and the international community, but also touches directly on lasting peace and security in the Middle East. China has always maintained that, on the basis of relevant Security Council resolutions, the principle of land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Middle East Road Map to peace, Palestine and Israel should settle their differences through dialogue and negotiation that will result in the establishment of an independent State of Palestine so that Palestine and Israel can coexist in peace.

At present, the issue of settlements is the greatest obstacle to the resumption of direct talks. China urges Israel to immediately and completely cease settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem. China hopes that Israel will adopt a serious and responsible approach and create the conditions necessary to building mutual trust and relaunching the peace talks. China welcomes and supports all international peace efforts to resolve Palestinian and Israeli differences and to restart dialogue and negotiation. We hope that Palestinians and Israelis will make common efforts for the early resumption of talks and the achievement of substantive results.

The humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially in the Gaza Strip, remains harsh and serious. That is not good for regional stability, nor is it conducive to the creation of appropriate conditions for peace talks between Palestine and Israel. We hope the parties concerned will effectively implement the relevant United Nations resolutions and quickly and completely lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip and return to the people of Gaza normal and respectful conditions for survival and development. The international community should continue to provide more assistance and support to the Palestinian people.

China is ready to join hands with the various parties and to continue to play a constructive role for the early achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Thank you, Mr. President.