Xi stresses need for just solution for Palestinians

In message to UN, president reaffirms China's commitment to work for peace

President Xi Jinping has underlined the need for a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue, saying that China will continue to work with the international community to promote peace in the Middle East.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory message sent to a United Nations meeting held on Tuesday to commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Xi said in the message that the Palestinian issue is at the core of the Middle East issue, and a comprehensive and just settlement bears on regional peace and stability as well as international fairness and justice.

The peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel and the joint development of the Arab and the Jewish nations are in the long-term interests of both sides and meet the common aspirations of people of all countries, Xi said.

The international community should adhere to the two-state solution, prioritize the Palestinian issue on the international agenda, and help the Palestinian people realize their dream of an independent state at an early date, he added.

Xi stressed that China consistently and firmly supports the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights, actively promotes peace talks and promotes peace between Palestine and Israel.

Noting that China supports the strengthening of the authority of the Palestinian National Authority and the enhancement of unity among all parties in Palestine, Xi expressed his hope that Palestine and Israel can resume peace talks as soon as possible so as to bring the peace process in the Middle East back on track.

Xi said China will, as always, provide humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian side, support its capacity building and help Palestine develop its economy and improve people's well-being.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, China will continue to work with the international community to make positive contributions to lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity in the Middle East, he added.

In 1977, the UN General Assembly called for the annual observance of Nov 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, through Resolution 32/40 B.

The special day provides an opportunity for the international community to focus its attention on the fact that the question of Palestine remains unresolved and that the Palestinian people are yet to attain their inalienable rights as defined by the General Assembly — the right to self-determination, the right to national independence and sovereignty and the right to return.