China Embraces Iraqi Decision on UN Inspectors: FM Spokesman

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, September 18, 2002

China Embraces Iraqi Decision on UN Inspectors: FM Spokesman

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Iraq's decision to allow the unconditional return of United Nations (UN) arms inspectors has been welcomed by the Chinese Government. "It is a result of the joint efforts by the international community and we hope these inspectors can submit an objective report to the Security Council as early as possible,'' Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said Tuesday at a regular press briefing.

UN weapons inspectors were pulled out of Iraq at the end of 1998 on the eve of US-British bombing raids and have not been allowed to return.

Responding to the skeptical attitude of the United States, Kong said Iraq's decision has shown a positive sign for co-operation with the UN.

He said China also urges Iraq to implement the relevant UN resolutions completely and effectively to pave the way for an early, peaceful solution.

Turning to the Middle East situation, Kong said China has decided to appoint Wang Shijie, a senior diplomat, as a special envoy to the Middle East to enhance its diplomatic mediation efforts.

He said Wang will visit the Middle East at an appropriate time.

The appointment is in response to an appeal from Arab nations which have called for China to play a bigger role in the matter.

China will further enhance its consultation and contact with Israel, Arab nations and other members of the international community to make unremitting efforts for the peaceful solution of the Middle East conflict, Kong said.

As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China has always been actively pushing for a peaceful solution.

Kong also said at the briefing that China regrets the visit of Singapore's Senior Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, to Taiwan.

"We hoped Singapore could stick to the one-China policy both by words and deeds,'' he said.

Kong also reiterated China's strong opposition to all arms sales to Taiwan in response to reports that a German shipbuilder intends to sell submarines to Taiwan, in addition to the possibility of Taiwanbuying submarines from Israel.

He said Germany and Israel have promised to stand by the one-China policy, develop their relations with China and honour the commitments made when establishing diplomatic ties with China by not selling weapons to Taiwan.

In relation to Afghanistan, Kong said UN bodies should enhance co-ordination in post-war reconstruction efforts, which China considers as a vital guarantee for Afghanistan's peaceful progress.

Kong said China -- as a friendly neighbour of Afghanistan -- has taken an active part in the peace building and post-war reconstruction of the country and has offered it huge amounts of assistance.

"China is willing to work with the international community to push for the peace of Afghanistan,'' he said.

A high-profile meeting about Afghanistan was held at UN headquarters Friday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, who is attending the 57th General Assembly session at the United Nations, said on Monday that China will, together with the international community, continue to strive for the political settlement of the Iraqi issue within the framework of the United Nations.

The Iraqi decision is what the international community, including China, has always hoped to see, he added.

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