China has repeatedly called on both Isreal and Palestine to adopt an attitude of restraint and avoid worsening the situation in the region in order to bring peace talks back on track.

Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan told Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami this over the phone, which was held at the latter's request.

During the conversation, Ben-Ami briefed Tang on the latest development of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and the problems ahead.

"China still believes that relevant UN resolutions and the 'land for peace' principle constitutes the basis for removing Israeli-Palestinian differences and accomplishing a comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East," Tang said.

As long as the two sides pursue an agreement through sincere and practical negotiations, and earnestly implement the agreements already reached and enhance mutual understanding, they could definitely find out a just and reasonable solution, Tang said.

Tang said China has closely followed Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and it has expressed grave concern over the lasting violent clashes between the two sides and severe casualties caused by the conflicts.

The two sides recently had a new round of talks on some substantial issues, including the sovereignty over Jerusalem, Tang said, commenting the efforts as "positive and conducive" to easing regional tensions.

He said the Middle East issue, which is a hot problem lingering for the longest period in the 20th century, is very complicated. "Wisdom, courage and creativity" are required to "seek a solution acceptable for all at an early date," he said.

China has always supported the Middle East peace process, and has made and will make consistent efforts and contributions to push forward the process, Tang said.

（People’s Daily 12/28/2000）