Q: What is your comment on the recent escalation of the conflict between Lebanon and Israel, which caused injuries and heavy losses of the property in the Israeli bombing of Lebanon?


A: China is greatly concerned about the worsening of the situation in South Lebanon. China expresses its deep regret over the injuries suffered by innocent civilians and the heavy losses of property caused by the Israeli bombing of Lebanon. China has called on parties concerned to exercise restraint and to take measures to end the situation as soon as possible. The Chinese Government has always maintained that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon should be respected. Israel should unconditionally implement the No. 425 Resolution of the U.N. Security Council and withdraw its troops from South Lebanon. The Middle East peace process has entered a crucial stage, all parties concerned in the Middle East should stop any action which is not conducive to the Middle East peace negotiations, so that headway may be made in the Middle East peace process.