09:00,BST, 2005-09-29

 
 
China Describes Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza Strip as First Step toward Peace
China has hailed the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip an important and positive, also "the first step" in the Mideast peace process.

The country's special envoy on the Middle East issues Wang Shijie told a briefing on his trip to the region that however "There's still a long way to go in achieving the ultimate goal of peace between Plestine and Israel.

The special envoy said China will continue its efforts in pushing forward the "road map" peace plan with the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip as the first step.

Meanwhile, tension and violence continue between the two conflicting sides. The Israeli army says it will step up its strikes against Palestinian militants until rocket fire from the Gaza Strip stops. The United States has urged both sides to take their responsibilities to prevent a further escalation of conflicts between the two sides. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and US President George W. Bush will meet in late October to the way forward after the Israeli pullout. 

Iran Takes First Step to Halt Snap Nuclear Inspections
Iran's parliament took a first step toward halting snap inspections by the UN nuclear watchdog of its nuclear facilities.

They voted to give priority in parliament to a bill to halt the inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency under an additional protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The result of the vote is believed to lead to referral of Iran's nuclear issue to the UN Security Council. However, the final decision will have to be made by the International Atomic Energy Agency.