Chinese FM starts Mideast tour

The Chinese foreign minister, Qian Qichen, begins an extensive tour of the Middle East today.

His spokesman said that China, as a permanent member of the Security Council, was very concerned over the situation in the region and wanted to play a full role in promoting the peace process.

Mr Qian will visit Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Egypt and the Palestinian self-rule areas.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service