On the afternoon of June 22, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Jiang Yu held a regular Press Conference.

Jiang: Good afternoon, I shall begin with an announcement.

China's Middle East Special Envoy Sun Bigan will visit Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Palestine from June 25th to July 2nd. He will exchange views with relevant parties about the current Middle East situation.

With that, I would be happy to take your questions.

Q: It is reported that North Korea is planning to fire long-range missiles, insisting that it is entitled to do so. They asserted that if the US wants to discuss the issue, it would have to talk to North Korea directly. What's your position on it?

A: We have taken note of those reports and the positions of various parties. We are very concerned over the current developments, hoping that parties involved can do more for the interest of regional peace and stability. It's the consistent position of the Chinese Government to safeguard peace and stability in Northeast Asia. We will continue to work on it constructively.

Q: Iran said that it would not respond to the package plan proposed by the EU until August. Can you comment on it?

A: Since the EU countries came up with the new package plan for the Iranian nuclear issue, we've now had a rare opportunity to solve the problem through negotiations. We hope that Iran would attach importance to the concerns of the international community, adopt an active attitude and respond to the plan at an early date. It is also our hope that other parties can maintain the maximum patience and restraint and continue to take a constructive approach so as to create favorable conditions and atmosphere for the resumption of talks, which is the common aspiration of the international community and in the common interest of various parties including Iran.

Q: President of Senegal is now in China for a state visit. Can you brief us on the specifics of the visit?

A: President Wade of Senegal arrived here yesterday for a state visit. Besides Beijing, he will also visit Shanghai and Shenzhen. This afternoon, he will be having official talks with President Hu Jintao and sign some agreements afterwards.

China and Senegal normalized our relations in October 2005. Both of us are developing nations, facing the same task of developing economy, building the nation and raising people's living standards. We are ready to work with Senegal to consolidate and further our bilateral ties.

Q: On the missile test of North Korea, do you believe it will adversely affect the Six-Party Talks?

A: A peaceful and stable Northeast Asia complies with our consistent position. China has been working actively and will continue to make constructive efforts. We urge relevant parties do more for regional peace and stability.

The Joint Statement issued at the fourth round of the Six-Party Talks last year signaled significant achievements of the process. The international community extensively recognizes the effectiveness of the Talks as a mechanism to solve the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue peacefully through dialogue. All parties should unswervingly stick to a peaceful settlement of the issue through dialogue, remained determined to the goal of a nuclear-weapon free Korean Peninsula and the process of the Talks. China stands ready to work with relevant parties and the rest of the international community to press ahead with the process.

Q: Premier Wen reportedly talked about the Six-Party Talks in a press conference in South Africa. Please confirm.

A: China has been actively working on relevant parties, maintaining close contact and consultation for the early resumption of the Talks. We hope that relevant parties can proceed from the general interests, overcome the existing obstacles, exert more flexibility and do more to build mutual confidence so as to resume the Talks and yield progress out it, which serves the common interests of various parties.

Q: On 25th this month, a ceremony will be held in Huludao city of Liaoning Province in order to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the repatriation of millions of Japanese immigrants in 1946. It is said that this is the first time for such an activity to be held. Why does it become so grand this year? What's China's position on the repatriation of Japanese immigrants in 1946?

A: A ceremony will be held in Huludao city shortly to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the repatriation of millions of Japanese immigrants. The event is aimed at enhancing mutual trust and understanding between the two peoples as well as improving and developing China-Japan relations. The repatriation in 1946 reflects the Chinese people's generosity, beneficence and humanitarian spirit. Friendship between China and Japan doesn't come by easily, which is to be cherished by both sides.

Q: Some foreign experts voiced concern over the operation of the Qingha-Tibeti railway, saying that it can't benefit the Tibetan people. What's China's position?

A: I believe resident foreign journalists have received IPC's notice that the Ministry is going to arrange a Tibetan trip for journalists, which will enable you to aboard the first Qinghai-Tibet train. The railway is a landmark project of China in implementing the grand strategy of exploring the western region. It will enter into experimental operation from July 1st. It is of great significance for the development of Tibet Autonomous Region. It will fundamentally change its backward transportation, raise the living standards of the people of various ethnic groups there, and accelerate the development of tourism there.

Q: Please brief us on the forthcoming visit to the Middle East by the Chinese Middle East Special Envoy.

A: The Chinese Middle East special envoy Sun Bigan will visit Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Palestine from June 25th to July 2nd. China attaches great importance to the development of situations in the Middle East. During his visit, Special Envoy Sun will exchange views with relevant parties over the situations in the Middle East. Since taking office this April, Envoy Sun has widely contacted relevant ambassadors to China. Not long ago, he participated in the political consultations over the Middle East peace process at the senior officials' meeting under the China-Arab Forum. In their discussions, relevant parties expressed their hope for Envoy Sun to visit the Middle East in the near future and for China to play a constructive role on the issue. China always attaches great importance to changes and developments of situations in the Middle East. We also maintain communications and coordination with relevant countries. We have engaged in the Middle East affairs with our own means and played a constructive role.

As for China's position on the Middle East issue, China supports the Middle East peace process and the "roadmap" plan. We maintain that the Middle East issue should be resolved through political negotiations on the basis of relevant UN resolutions and the principle of "land for peace". We hope the new administrations of Palestine and Israel can proceed from the fundamental interests of their own peoples, from the overall interests of a stabile Middle East, take a more active stance, build mutual trust and resolve disputes through peace talks.

If there are no other questions, thanks for your presence! See you next time!