China hopes the Middle East peace process will eventually overcome the present grave situation and see new breakthroughs, said an official of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Wednesday.

In his keynote speech delivered at a reception marking the Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, CPAFFC Vice-President Chen Yongchang said the Chinese people are "gravely concerned" about the clashes between Israel and Palestine since September, and deeply mourn over civilian casualties caused by Israel's use of violence.

The bloody clashes have seriously hindered the Middle East peace process and caused turbulence in the region, a result that " neither China nor the international community is willing to see," Chen said.

From the very beginning, the Chinese government has called on the two sides to "take effective measures to prevent the situation from deteriorating," he said.

For the just cause of the Palestinian people, the road is tortuous, but the prospects are bright, Chen said, adding that the Palestinians will win the final victory and achieve national self-determination with the support of the peace-loving people of the world.

On behalf of the Palestinian government and people, Palestinian ambassador to China, Moustapha Saphariny, expressed thanks and respect to the Chinese people for the support to the Palestinian people in their just cause.

He said he believes that as an important country in the international arena, China will continue its efforts in urging the United Nations and its Security Council to play their role, so as to realize "comprehensive and just" peace in the Middle East.

Present at Wednesday's reception were vice-chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, Wang Guangying, Deputy Foreign Minister Ji Peiding, deputy head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Ma Wenpu, Libyan ambassador to China and also dean of the diplomatic corps of Arab countries, Muftaho Madi, head of the Arab League's mission in Beijing, Mohamed A. El Saket, and diplomatic envoys from Arab countries.

(Xinhua 11/29/2000)