SCO Summit not to Cover Expansion: FM Spokeswoman

Home>>China

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, May 23, 2003

SCO Summit not to Cover Expansion: FM Spokeswoman

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said Thursday the upcoming Shanghai Co-operation Organization (SCO) summit in Moscow will not discuss its expansion, although a number of countries -- including India and Pakistan -- hope to join.

"The SCO is at an initial stage and is faced with a lot of work concerning the development of its mechanisms, therefore its members have decided not to admit new members for the time being,'' said Zhang, adding that it will follow the principle of openness and accept more members in the future.

The May 29 summit will ratify a number of documents on the development of the SCO, including the mechanism of meetings of heads of states and prime ministers, the establishment of a secretariat in Beijing by the end of this year, and decide on the SCO secretary-general.

Turning to the post-war situation in Iraq, Zhang reiterated that it should focus on maintaining peace and stability in Iraq, the Gulf region and the Middle East as well as the long-term development of the country.

She also stressed that related issues should be resolved by adhering to the principles of the UN Charter.

Zhang said China has adopted a constructive attitude and remains in close contact with other UN Security Council members on the post-war situation in Iraq.

"We hope the passing of the resolution will be conducive to the early start of reconstruction in Iraq,'' said Zhang.

Zhang stressed China's stance that the UN should play an important role in the reconstruction of Iraq.

Zhang also briefed the press on the upcoming visit by Afghan Vice-President Nimartullah Shaharani between May 26 and 30.

According to Zhang, the two countries will exchange views on "how to help Afghanistan in reconstruction,'' resulting in the signing of several agreements on economic and technical co-operation.

China last year pledged to provide US$150 million worth of assistance to Afghanistan for its reconstruction. China is making preparations for rebuilding an irrigation system and constructing a hospital in the war-torn country.

Shaharani is scheduled to hold talks with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice-President Zeng Qinghong.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Hu's First Overseas Trip is of Great Significance: Vice-FM

President Hu to Begin Presidential Overseas Tour

Chinese Crack Down on Public Spitting ( 2 Messages)

United States Afraid of its Own Shadow: Mahathir ( 8 Messages)

Int'l Community Aids China's SARS-control ( 6 Messages)

BBC Leader Criticizes US Coverage of War against Iraq ( 17 Messages)

US Interference in China's Internal Affairs Doomed to Failure: FM Spokeswoman ( 7 Messages)