Chinese envoy calls for int'l efforts to ease Israel-Iran tensions

UNITED NATIONS, June 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday called for international efforts to promote talks to ease Israeli-Iranian tensions.

As the Israeli-Iranian military conflict enters its eighth day, it is distressing to see the conflict has resulted in a large number of civilian casualties and damage to facilities on both sides, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

If the conflict escalates further, not only will both sides suffer greater losses, but regional countries will also be severely affected, he warned.

Israel's actions violate international law and the norms of international relations, jeopardize the sovereignty and security of Iran, and undermine regional peace and stability. China unequivocally condemns this, he told an emergency meeting of the Security Council.

At this critical juncture, the international community should further forge consensus and make every effort to promote talks to ease tensions, he said. Enditem