Arab diplomats and their families held a rally Monday at the Palestinian Embassy in the Chinese capital city of Beijing calling upon foreign governments to exert pressure on Israel into ending attacks on the Palestinian Authority.
Government leaders also attended, possibly indicating official Chinese support.
An estimated 75 people gathered in the embassy compound voiced slogans in support of the more than 18-month-old Palestinian uprising or Intifada.
Children held anti-Israeli placards showing the Jewish Star of David and the Nazi swastika with an equals sign between them, AP reported.
"I address the international community and call on it to assume its responsibilities and mobilize quickly to save the situation and provide real international protection to our people," Palestinian Ambassador Mustafa Saphariny said.
The rally was unusual for Beijing, where most public protests are forbidden.
The Palestinians did not seek Chinese permission for the event, according to embassy spokesman Ezzat Shahrour. Embassies are considered foreign territory that Chinese authorities may not enter without permission, and events within them don't require government approval.
However, in an indication of official Chinese support for the rally, Shahrour said officials of the Communist Party foreign liaison office and two government committees aimed at advancing foreign relations participated in the rally.
In an invitation to reporters, the embassy said the "solidarity gathering" was called "in response to the grave situation in Palestine."
Large Palestinian flags and portraits of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat flew from the embassy entrance.
China has supported Palestinian hopes for an independent state, however also has diplomatic relations with Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres visited Beijing last week. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
