MORE ON CHINA AND THE MIDDLE EAST, PALESTINE

Chinese FM makes five-point proposal to boost Mideast peace, development

Xinhua

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First, the concerned parties should adhere to the peace talks, and firmly promote the peace process on the basis of relevant UN resolutions, the "land for peace" principle, the "Road Map" plan, and the Arab peace initiative, Yang said.

Second, the parties should take positive measures to restore stability and accumulate mutual trust, so as to create conditions for the development of peace process.

Third, China believes the two-state solution should be maintained and calls for an early establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the two countries of Palestine and Israeli live in harmony.

"This is the ultimate way out for the Palestinian issue, which can give guarantee to the Middle East peace and security," Yang said.

Fourth, the international community should continue to pay due attention to the Middle East issue, and deliver its supports to the peace talks, the inner-Palestinian unity and economic growth.

Fifth, the peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel, Syria and Israel, Lebanon and Israel should advance in a coordinated way in order to achieve comprehensive peace across the Middle East region, Yang said.

"As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will continue to maintain close communication and coordination with parties concerned to play a constructive role in pushing for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Middle East issue," Yang added.

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Syria calls for closer ties with China

against economic crisis

Xinhua

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China will continue to back Syria on its just cause of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity and hopes that Syria would realize its territorial unification in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, Yang said.

China hopes to expand friendly exchanges and cooperation with Syria and will continue to promote bilateral trade, investment and other pragmatic cooperation in energy, telecommunication and tourism, he said.

China will strengthen contacts and coordination with Syria in international and regional issues, and play a constructive role in help realize comprehensive, just and enduring peace across the Middle East region, he added.

Earlier on Sunday, Yang also held talks with his Syrian counterpart Walid Mualem, and they exchanged views on bilateral relations, and other major international and regional issues of common concern.