Statement by Ambassador Wu Haitao at the Security Council Public Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East including the Palestinian Question

主席女士，

　　中方欢迎古特雷斯秘书长再次提交落实安理会第2334号决议的书面报告，感谢姆拉德诺夫特别协调员的通报。中方也听取了雷默尔女士的发言。

Madam President,

China welcomes the latest written report submitted by Secretary-General Guterres on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334. We thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing. We have listened to the remarks of Ms Raemer.

　　2016年12月，安理会通过了关于巴勒斯坦问题的第2334号决议，反映了国际社会的共同期待和愿望，回应了巴勒斯坦和阿拉伯国家的正义呼声。令人遗憾的是，三年过去了，巴勒斯坦被占领土上的局势不仅没有改善，反而持续恶化。当前，定居点建设持续推进并显著扩大，被拆巴人房屋数量不断增加，有关各方暴力行为和煽动性言论升级，中东和平进程迟滞不前。中方对此深感忧虑。我们呼吁各方切实执行安理会第2334号决议，坚持政治解决的正确方向和公平正义的基本原则，发挥联合国的关键作用，形成地区和国际社会的一致合力，推动巴以问题早日得到全面、公正和持久解决。

In December 2016, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2334 on the question of Palestine, reflecting the common expectations and aspirations of the international community and in response to the call of justice from Palestine and Arab States. Regrettably, three years later, the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has witnessed no improvement and even continuous deterioration. As we speak now, settlement activities continue to advance and expand significantly; more Palestinian homes are being demolished; acts of violence and inflammatory rhetoric by parties concerned are escalating; and the Middle East peace process is stalled. China finds all this deeply concerning. We call on all parties to earnestly and effectively implement Council resolution 2334, stay on the right path towards a political solution, adhere to the fundamental principle of fairness and justice, and give play to the key role of the United Nations, so as to form a synergy between regional and international efforts to push for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli question at an early date.

　　第一，我们应坚持以“两国方案”为基础，最终实现巴勒斯坦独立建国。外国占领是巴以问题延宕多年的症结所在。只有坚持“两国方案”的大方向，在联合国有关决议、“土地换和平”原则、“阿拉伯和平倡议”等国际共识和准则的基础上，通过平等对话和政治谈判，才能最终化解巴以分歧，寻找双方都可以接受的解决方案。安理会第2334号决议明确指出，在包括东耶路撒冷在内的巴被占领土兴建定居点违反国际法。有关方面应立即停止在被占领土上的一切定居点活动，停止拆除巴勒斯坦人房屋、毁坏巴勒斯坦人财产。

First, we must adhere to the "two-state solution" as the basis for the ultimate goal of establishing an independent Palestinian State. Foreign occupation is the underlying cause of the decades-long Palestinian-Israeli issue. Staying committed to the overarching goal of the "two-state solution" and adhering to the relevant UN resolutions, the "land for peace" principle, the "Arab peace initiative" and other international consensus and norms in search for a solution through equal-footed dialogue and political negotiations -- that is the only viable approach whereby Israel and Palestine can eventually resolve their differences and find a solution acceptable to both. Security Council resolution 2334 makes it clear that the establishment of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, constitutes a violation of international law. Parties concerned should immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and stop demolishing Palestinian houses and destroying Palestinian properties.

　　第二，我们应鼓励巴以双方相向而行，尽快重启和谈。历史积怨是巴以问题复杂难解的根本原因。以暴制暴无助于解决问题，只有逐步积累政治互信，实现共同安全才能真正行稳致远。有关方面应从地区民众安危及和平稳定大局出发，保持冷静克制、相向而行，停止采取军事行动，停止发表煽动性言论，停止一切针对平民的暴力行为，切实推动局势缓和，重建和积累互信，为重启巴以和谈创造良好条件。中方支持国际社会一切有利于促进巴以和平的努力，赞赏姆拉德诺夫特别协调员和埃及等各方的斡旋行动，坚决反对任何国家发表不负责任的言论。

Second, we should encourage both Palestine and Israel to move towards each other and relaunch peace talks as soon as possible. Historical grievances lie at the root of the intricacy and complexity of the Palestinian-Israeli question. To repay violence with violence would get them nowhere. Only with gradual buildup of political mutual trust for the benefit of common security can there be a steady and solid long-term solution. The parties concerned should proceed from the overall interest of the safety of local communities and peace and stability in the region, exercise calm and restraint to move towards each other, cease military actions, refrain from inflammatory remarks, cease and desist from all acts of violence against civilians, with a view to enabling an effective easing of the situation, rebuilding and accumulating mutual trust, and creating favorable conditions for the restart of the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. China supports all efforts of the international community conducive to peace between Palestine and Israel. We appreciate the good offices of Special Coordinator Mladenov, Egypt and all parties and firmly oppose any irresponsible remarks by any country.