国内英语新闻:China supports Palestinians' UN bid: envoy

RAMALLAH, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's special envoy to the Middle East, Wu Sike, said here Friday that his country fully supports the Palestinians' right to establish an independent state in a balanced manner and through peace talks.

"China supports the Palestinian people and their cause. We also support the Palestinians to get the United Nations recognition of a Palestinian state on the lands occupied in 1967 with Jerusalem as capital," he told Xinhua in Ramallah.

The envoy said peace talks with Israel are the best way to reach a settlement, adding that gaining UN recognition is not an alternative to peace negotiations.

China supports a two-state solution -- Israel and an independent Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security, he said, noting that he believes the current developments in the Middle East have a positive impact on the Palestinian cause.

"The Middle East witnesses many changes. People have many chances to participate in political life. The Palestinian cause is a main issue that attracts the attention of the Arab people," he said.

"The recent meeting of the Arab League Peace Initiative Follow- Up Committee in Qatar assures the Arabs' support to the Palestinians' bid for full UN membership," he said. "This will help the Palestinians gain more international support."

The Palestinians say they will approach the UN in September to get full membership of the world body as peace talks with Israel have long been deadlocked, a move disapproved by Israel and the United States.

Wu expressed his appreciation of the reconciliation deal signed between Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party and Hamas movements in Cairo in May.

"This move will help the Palestinians to have more countries on their side," he said.

Wu said his Middle East tour was taking place at an important moment as the region is witnessing crucial changes, stressing that China respects the choices of the peoples.

"The Arab peoples are able to make their own decisions toward development," said the envoy.

He also said the ties between China and the Arab countries are based on strong foundations, regardless of the changes taking place in the region.

Wu met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other officials Tuesday, the first day of his ongoing Middle East tour.

This was Wu's second visit to Palestinian territories this year, after which he will travel on to Israel, Egypt and France.