China condemns the Israeli military attacks, economic siege against the Palestinians

China on Monday expressed its condemnation of the Israeli military operations against the Palestinian territories and the economic siege imposed by Israel on the Palestinians. It urged the resumption of talks between the Israeli and Palestinian sides as soon as possible.

The Chinese News Agency Xinhua quoted the Chinese President Jiang Zemin as saying in a message he addressed to the chairman of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat in retaliation to a message Arafat sent last week " we oppose the Israeli military act which exposes Palestinian civilians properties and life vulnerable."

Jiang expressed in his message his country's strong concern towards the deterioration of conditions in the Middle East and its readiness to cooperate with the International community in order to alleviate tension in the region.

The Chinese president also expressed his hope that the Israeli and Palestinian sides can maintain self- control and resume their negotiations.