During separate meetings with the visiting Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, Zhu and Vice-Premier Qian Qichen expressed China's grave concern at the continuation of the tragic and violent events that have lasted for one and a half years.

UN Resolution 1397 of March 13 affirms a vision of a region where Israel and Palestine live side by side within secure and recognized borders. It demands the immediate cessation of all acts of violence, including all acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction.

Zhu said the bloody conflicts between the two sides -- which have led to serious casualties, loss of property and a severe threat to regional security -- have led to widespread concern among the international community.

Zhu said all peace lovers in the world, including those in Israel and Palestine, are unwilling to see the situation deteriorate further. He called on the two sides to actively cooperate with the international community's recommendations with the aim of resuming negotiations.

Qian said China hopes Israel will permit Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to attend the upcoming Arab summit in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. He said this would benefit all concerned.

Arafat -- whom Israel has confined to the town of Ramallah since December -- is still banned from traveling outside the Palestinian territories.

According to a Palestinian official spokesman, Arafat will not go to Lebanon to take part in the summit under Israel's conditions and obstacles.

Peres said Israel attached importance to its relations with China. He said Israel wishes to enhance cooperation with China in various fields during the next decade, especially in the economy, agriculture and science and technology.

(China Daily March 27, 2002)