国内英语新闻:China hopes to see alleged assassination plot properly addressed

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday voiced its hope that countries concerned "will continue to appropriately address the issue" of the alleged plot to kill Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States "through dialogue and make joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region."

The statement came as Li Baodong, Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, was addressing the UN General Assembly to explain the Chinese position on the issue after he abstained from voting on the draft resolution on the alleged Iranian involvement in the assassination plot.

"China hopes countries concerned will continue to appropriately address the issue through dialogue and make joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region," he said.

"At present, the case is highly complicated and sensitive," Li said. "Parties still have different views over the issue. Any conclusion or action must be based on comprehensive, impartial, objective and transparent investigation and substantial evidence."

"Before facts are out, parties should adopt a prudent approach, refrain from jumping to conclusions, and avoid action that may complicate and worsen the situation," he said.

"China abstained from the vote on the General Assembly draft resolution entitled 'Terrorist Attacks on Internationally Protected Persons'," he said. "We oppose all forms of terrorism, and always stand for compliance with international law and the basis norms governing international relations in handling state-to- state relations as well as effective protection of the safety and security of diplomatic personnel."

Earlier on Friday, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which expressed deep concerns at the assassination plot and called on Iran "to comply with all of its obligations under international law." Iran strongly denied the allegation.

Before or after the vote, countries such as Bolivia, Sudan and Venezuela said that due to a lack of solid evidence to support the allegation, the draft adoption would "create a dangerous precedent " in the international relations.