Chinese President Zhiang Zamin condemned the siege that Israel has placed on Yasser Arafat, and called on both sides to renew the \"peace talks.\" In his telegram to Arafat, sent after Arafat requested Chinese intervention, Zamin wrote that he objects to \"other Israeli actions that endanger the lives and property of Palestinian citizens.\" The Chinese leader added, \"China values the Palestinians\' efforts to find a solution to the conflict.\" The Philatelic Services of both China and Israel issued a joint postmark last week to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.



Sweden\'s Foreign Minister Anna Lindh said today that the United States\' new policy towards Yasser Arafat is \"madness and stupidity.\"