Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, February 19, 2003
Chinese, French FMs Discuss Iraq Issue by Phone
Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan stressed Tuesday that the weapons inspections in Iraq should be continued in the present situation according to the UN Security Council Resolution 1441.
Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan stressed Tuesday that the weapons inspections in Iraq should be continued in the present situation according to the UN Security Council Resolution 1441.
Tang said this in a phone conversation with French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin on the Iraq issue Tuesday evening.
Tang said "it is still our direction of efforts" to seek political solution and avoid war.
Peaceful Solution for Iraq Still Possible
A political solution to the problem of Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction is still possible by implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1441, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue on Tuesday.
She said the international community hoped to solve the problem within the framework of the United Nations, and China had repeatedly urged Iraq to observe the UN resolutions comprehensively, earnestly and strictly.
She also called for efforts from all parties concerned to ensure a peaceful solution of the issue.
The declaration by the European Union on Iraq's disarmament showed clearly its hope of solving the problem peacefully, she said.
Zhang said Resolution 1441 stated clearly the conditions for weapons inspections, so inspections should continue according to the resolution. For the Security Council to decide its next move, discussion and consultation by its members are necessary, she said.