Premier Wen Jiabao has reiterated his country's readiness to join international efforts to push for peace and stability in the Middle East region.

 

In a message to the Conference in Commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People held at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday, Wen extended warm congratulations on the occasion of its convocation on behalf of the Chinese government.

 

In the message, Wen stressed the Palestinian issue is at the core of the Middle East conflict. "China supports restart of the Middle East peace process and resumption of political negotiations as soon as possible, so as to establish an independent state of Palestine that co-exists peacefully with Israel, on the basis of relevant UN resolutions and the 'land for peace' principle," he said.

 

The settlement of the Palestinian issue calls for political will and courage of the Palestinians and Israel as well, and needs support and assistance from the international community, Wen said.

 

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China would continue its support for a larger UN role in the Middle East issue, he said.

 

"China is ready to make unswerving efforts with the international community for a fair and overall solution to the Palestinian issue and an early realization of peace and stability in the Middle East region," the Chinese premier said.

 

The UN set November 29 as the Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 30, 2006)