The Chinese government hopes that Palestine's legislative
elections would help restart the stalled peace talks in the Middle
East, the head of China's observer mission told Xinhua in Ramallah
on Sunday.
"There's no doubt that an effective internal management will
promote the Palestinian authorities' influence on the peace
process. The elections will help push forward the development of
the peace talks," said An Huihou, head of the six-member Chinese
observer mission for monitoring the upcoming elections.
"The Chinese government and people will continue to unswervingly
support the Palestinians' struggle and desire to recover the
occupied territories and gradually realize its goal of establishing
an independent state," An said.
The six Chinese observers arrived in Ramallah on Sunday.
The elections, to be held in the West Bank, the Gaza strip and
East Jerusalem on Wednesday, will be the second poll since 1996.
One hundred and thirty two legislators will be elected.
Around 850 observers from across the world are to monitor the
elections in a bid to ensure transparency and effectiveness,
according to the Palestinian Central Elections Committee.
As to the Islamic Resistance Movement's (Hamas) participation in
the elections for the first time, An said it would result in "a
better expression of public opinion and a more contested
election."
He added that Hamas' participation will make the ruling Fatah
party devote more to internal reform in an effort to win more
support from the Palestinian people.
An stressed that despite some difficulties in election
preparations, various signs have shown that all the parties are
looking forward to a successful election.
(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2006)
