Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Amr Moussa held talks in
Cairo yesterday with China's visiting special envoy to the Middle
East, Sun Bigan on the Lebanon crisis and the UN Security Council
resolution on the situation there.?
Despite its imbalance Resolution 1701 contained those major
points that were of general concern among Arab nations, Moussa
said. He added that Arab nations would help to implement the
resolution based on consultation.
The AL chief expressed his appreciation to Sun as China has
shown high respect to Arab concerns during the discussions and
debate on the resolution at the UN Security Council.?
Resolution 1701, unanimously adopted by the UN Security Council
on Friday, calls for Israel's withdrawal and authorizes an increase
of the existing UN force in Lebanon to 15,000 to assist local
troops in?taking control of south Lebanon as Israel
withdraws.
Moussa also lauded China's efforts to help solve Mideast issues,
saying such efforts are welcomed and appreciated.?
For his part, Sun said Resolution 1701 is a major step in the
direction of political settlement to the Lebanon crisis and China
welcomes and supports it.
However, Sun cautioned that the implementation of Resolution
1701 will be much more important, as well as difficult, than
passing it and the implementation calls for strenuous efforts by
all concerned parties.?
Sun called on the international community, particularly
concerned parties, to press ahead with the implementation of the
resolution, achieve a cease-fire quickly and ease the humanitarian
crisis facing the Lebanese.?
Sun said China is willing to maintain close contact and
consultations with Arab nations during the implementation. He also
noted that the international community should continue to show
concern and assist in solving the Palestinian-Israeli issue.
"Only if the legitimate rights of Arab people are restored can
stability and peace in the Middle East have a solid basis," said
Sun.?
Also on Sunday, Sun met with Egypt's presidential advisor, Osama
el-Baz and assistant foreign minister for Arab and Middle East
affairs, Hany Khalaf, and discussed with them the latest
developments on Lebanon.?
The two Egyptian officials expressed appreciation of China's
stance and policy on regional issues. They hoped China will
continue to play its part in pushing ahead with the Middle East
peace process.?
Sun arrived in Cairo Saturday for a three-day visit, part of his
regional tour starting on August 6, which has taken him to Syria,
Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories. After Egypt, Sun is
expected to visit Saudi Arabia.?
(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2006)