China FM says Palestine is core of Middle East issues

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said yesterday that the Palestinian issue is at the core of the Middle East, adding that Beijing harbours no self interest concerning the Palestinian issue, yet, it was one of the first countries to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the State of Palestine, and has always firmly supported the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights.

Speaking at the conclusion of the round of dialogue between the Palestinian factions in Beijing, the top diplomat stressed that “China and Palestine are good brothers and dear partners who exchange trust, and the historical friendship between them has been firmly established in the hearts of the two peoples.”

“The Palestinian issue, which has lasted for more than seven decades without a solution, remains a touchstone for international justice and fairness and the conscience and morals of humanity.”

READ: Palestinian factions agree to reach comprehensive national unity

He said that the conflict in Gaza continues to drag on, and is spilling over. “To get out of the current conflict predicament, China proposes a three-step approach.”

The first step is to promote a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible and ensure humanitarian assistance and relief access. The international community should further unite on the issue of a ceasefire.

The second step is to uphold the principle of “the Palestinians governing Palestine” and work together to promote post-war governance in Gaza. Gaza is an inseparable and important part of Palestine, and starting post-war reconstruction as soon as possible has become an urgent issue in the next stage, he explained.

The international community should support Palestinian factions to form an interim government with national consensus to effectively manage Gaza and the West Bank.

The third step is to promote Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations and begin to implement the two-state solution. A more significant, more authoritative and more effective international peace conference should be supported and a timetable and road map for this should be established.

Wang said a ceasefire and humanitarian relief are top priorities. “The Palestinians governing Palestine” is the basic principle of post-war reconstruction in Gaza, and the two-state solution is the fundamental way out for the future.

“The international community should support the parties concerned in implementing the three-step approach with a serious attitude,” he added.

On Monday, Palestinian factions announced that they had agreed to reach a comprehensive national unity that includes all forces within the framework of the PLO, and to form an interim national consensus government. The deal was agreed during meetings hosted by China.

READ: Hamas, Fatah holding talks in China