¡¡¡¡GAZA, Sept. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) welcomed on Wednesday China's decision to appoint a permanentChinese peace process coordinator in the Middle East.

¡¡¡¡Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's secretary Tayeb Abdel Rahim told the Palestinian News Agency WAFA that President Arafat and thePalestinian people appreciate China's decision.

¡¡¡¡The decision would have a distinctive effect to push forward theefforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, said Abdel Rahim.

¡¡¡¡He said the PNA is ready to deal with the Chinese peace coordinator and cooperate with him for the sake of achieving peace,adding that this would contribute to achieving stability and security in the region.

¡¡¡¡Chinese-Palestinian relations are always deep, friendly and strong, said Abdel Rahim, adding that the support that China provides to the Palestinian people would help them establish their independent state. Enditem

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