Palestinian envoy seeks 'special role' for China

China can play a "special role" in the Middle East, a Palestinian envoy said yesterday, following eight days of deadly conflict between Israel and militants in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
Bassam al-Salhi, a representative of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, was speaking after talks in Beijing on efforts to upgrade his people's status at the United Nations and maintain calm in the region.
A cease-fire brokered by Egypt came into effect Thursday in Gaza -- which Abbas does not control.
Al-Salhi, also general secretary of the Palestinian People's Party, referred to Beijing as a "broker" and a "mediator" after talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.