China calls for efforts to restore stability in Mideast

A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called on parties in the Middle East conflict to strive for the early restoration of stability in the region.



For some time, the Middle East situation has escalated dramatically with widespread consequences, gravely disrupting regional stability and affecting the global economy and energy security. The current situation stands at a critical stage of transition from war to peace, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.



"China urges all parties to seize this window of peace, exercise utmost restraint, demonstrate maximum sincerity, and remain steadfast in the direction of a political settlement to prevent any retrogression in the momentum of the ceasefire and negotiations, and strive for the early restoration of stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region," he said at a Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.



The Palestinian question has always been at the heart of the Middle East issue, and must not be marginalized under any circumstances, said Fu.