International Forum: To Break Deadlock by Joint Efforts
����The Iraqi problem has become an issue defying solution since the end of "Desert Fox" Operation. On one hand, Iraq rejects UN weapons inspectors to return to Baghdad; on the other hand, Iraq's proposal of lifting economic sanctions cannot be realized as a result of strong opposition from the United States and Britain and intensified military confrontation being found between Iraq and the latter two. With the coming of fast-breaking festival, the international community has worried by itself about possible strike against Iraq, which is not groundless.
����The "Desert Fox" Operation has ceased during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The United States and Britain did not achieve their objective of overthrowing Iraqi President Saddam. Since the end of military strike the United States and Britain have sent more fighters and aircraft carriers to the Gulf Region so as to keep up strong military pressure and economic sanctions on Iraq.
����Since the end of "Desert Fox" Operation Iraq not only refused to talk about weapon inspection and asked for direct lifting of sanctions, but also exchanged fires several times with the US-British aircraft patrolling over the no-fly zone. It even called for forming an alliance to fight against the United States, which is not to be tolerated by the United States. Some Iraqi Parliament members refused to accept the verdict of the United Nations on the Gulf War, which is believed to be a challenge to the United Nations. This provides an excuse for the United States and Britain to launch new military actions against Iraq.
����Recently, the Iraqi government posed accusations and threatening remarks to some Arabic nations, which has led to a decrease of general international sympathy for Iraq. Several Arabic nations even support efforts for subversion of the Saddam regime. Thus some obstacles to the US launching new military action against Iraq will be removed.
����But use of force will do no good for a solution of the Iraqi problem. It is just like what Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz has said, who announced the bombing against Iraq will bury the UNSCOM. The US-British attempt to establish a new government in Iraq is not in line with the international law, which is difficult to realize. Another wanton attack on Iraq will certainly give rise to a complexity of things and worsening of the situation in the region which will in a way menace world peace.
����Some days ago, France, the United States and Russia all made the proposal to settle the Iraqi issue for which Iraqi President Saddam had given his prerequisite. Though a big gap exists they have made a big step toward political solution of the crisis.
����Today's world can by no means be manipulated by a certain or some big powers. International affairs must be discussed and solved by all parties or countries concerned. We would support the UN Security Council shoulder the responsibility in upholding world peace and security, and back up Secretary-General Kofi Annan to play an active role on this issue.
����Annan has called on the related parties to act "cautiously" and "creatively" think about the current Iraqi crisis so as to guarantee the continuous implementation of the UN resolutions. He hoped the parties concerned should show the willingness of flexibility and compromise when discussing the issue for finding a solution to the Iraqi problem.
����We hope Annan's calling can have positive response from all parties concerned.
����
Opinion 1999-01-19 Page6
Full Story in Chinese
|