FM Spokeswoman on DPRK, Iraq, Middle East,SARS and Other Issues

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, May 14, 2003

FM Spokeswoman on DPRK, Iraq, Middle East,SARS and Other Issues

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The Beijing talks were a good start for the peaceful resolution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear issue, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said in Beijing Tuesday.

The process should continue and the momentum of dialogue shouldbe maintained, she said in response to a question at a regular press conference.

Diplomatic efforts centering on the DPRK nuclear issue have been frequent and active recently, she said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing had a phone conversation with Secretary of State Colin Powell of the United States at the latter's request on May 9 and they exchanged views on the Iraq issue and the DPRK nuclear issue.

During the conversation, the US side expressed appreciation andthanks for China's efforts for the Beijing talks, saying the meeting was helpful.

Li said China had always maintained that the DPRK nuclear issueshould be resolved through dialogue and by peaceful means.

The Beijing talks were a good start and should be continued, Lisaid.

Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently visited the Republic of Korea and Japan for diplomatic consultations. Wang emphasized theneed for a peaceful settlement of the DPRK nuclear issue through dialogue and said Beijing talks should continue. The ROK and Japanese governments agreed with the view, according to the spokeswoman.

Zhang said China had always highly appreciated the support of the ROK and Japan for resolving the DPRK nuclear issue through dialogue.

The Chinese side welcomed countries concerned over the issue toplay a constructive role in the process, she said.

China would continue its efforts to help resolve the issue in aproper way as soon as possible, she said.

Diplomatic consultations and contacts among parties concerned are under way, Zhang said.

China's special envoy to visit Israel, Palestine

Ambassador Wang Shijie, China's special envoy on the Midddle East issue, will leave on May 18 for a visit to Israel and Palestine on May 18, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said here Tuesday.

During the visit Wang is expected to exchange views with Israeland Palestine on the "Road Map" peace plan, Zhang said.

Zhang said as the party concerned have unveiled the "Road Map" for Mideast peace, China hoped both Israel and Palestine would seize the opportunity and cooperate with the international community in their efforts to ensure the early implementation of the Road Map and the realization of peace and stability.

China was ready to push for an early settlement of the issue, said Zhang.

China concerned about Saudi explosions

China is concerned over the bomb explosions in Saudi Arabia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said here Tuesday.

In response to a question at a press conference, Zhang said China was shocked at the explosions in Saudi Arabia which caused many casualties, and expressed sympathy and condolences to their families.

China to be "constructive" on UN talks on Iraq sanctions

China will discuss the new draft resolution to lift sanctions against Iraq with other members of the UN Security Council in a constructive spirit, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said here Tuesday.

Zhang said China was studying the draft resolution which was submitted to the UN Security Council by the United States, Britainand Spain.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell had briefed China on the contents of the draft during a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, she said.

She said Iraq's post-war reconstruction concerned the long-term interests of Iraqi people and exerted a direct influence on peace and stability in the Middle East. China always considered lifting the sanctions would help to ease the humanitarian problems in Iraq.

China understands travel restrictions on nationals

China understands why some countries are imposing restrictive travel measures on its citizensto curb the spread of SARS, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said here Tuesday.

But Zhang added, "We believe all sides should treat Chinese citizens fairly as they go about their normal business."

Zhang said severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was an unexpected disaster, and it took time for countries to learn how to deal with it.

"To prevent the further spread of SARS, some countries have adopted temporary measures, including putting restrictions on people from infected areas, or taking quarantine measures on entry.China feels that is understandable," she said.

Zhang expressed hope that the epidemic would be brought under control soon so normal exchanges between China and foreign countries could continue as normally as possible.

China thanks international community for supporting SARS fight

China Tuesday thanked the international community for supporting and aiding its fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

In recent days more countries and international organizations have offered help and support, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said at a press conference.

She said the foreign ministers of many nations and heads of international organizations have phoned Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, expressing sympathy over the SARS outbreak in China and their support for the country's fight against the epidemic.

"China is very grateful for the international community's support and help," she said.

Zhang said SARS is a global problem, which can be contained only through international cooperation.

"China attaches great importance to effective cooperation with other countries in this area," she said.

China condemns terrorist attack in Chechnya

China severely condemns the terrorist attack in Chechnya, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said here Tuesday.

Zhang made the remark when asked about China's comment on the truck bomb blast in Chechnya Monday.

She said China severely condemned the terrorist attack in Chechnya and expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the casualties and their families.

China resolutely opposed terrorism in all forms and would continue, as always, to support the Russian government in fighting terrorist and separatist forces and maintaining national unity and territorial integrity, Zhang said.

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