BEIJING: The time is not yet right for a peaceful settlement to the Gulf crisis because of the differing attitudes of countries involved in the war, according to Chinese premier Li Peng.
However continuing efforts might create conditions resulting in a peaceful solution to the crisis. Mr Li told Palestinian foreign minister Farouk Kaddoumi who called on him.
The longer the war lasts, the greater the losses it will cause, Mr Li said adding that at a time when the war is on the verge of expansion and escalation. China welcomes the calls for peace and mediation which are being made by an increasing number of countries and international bodies.
Premier Li said China was against the Iraqi invasion and annexation of Kuwait. Requests the withdrawal of Iraqi troops and opposes was as a means of settling the Gulf crisis.
He said the Chinese government had sent a special envoy, vice-foreign minister Yang Fuchang, to Syria, Turkey. Yugoslavia and Iran as part of Chinas effort to seek a peaceful settlement.
He said China belongs to the third world and has always supported the just struggles of the Arab and Palestinian peoples.
The Palestine issue represents the core of the Middle East issue and China will, as always, stand for a fair and reasonable settlement of the Palestinian issue through negotiation, he said.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 22, 1991
