Li Peng Delivers Speech in Belgrade

Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said in Belgrade Monday that peace cannot be forged out of bombings.

Referring to air strikes against Yugoslavia by a US-led NATO force last year, Li said the assault was a violation of the intent of the United Nations Charter and universally recognized norms governing international relations. The air strikes seriously threatened stability in Europe.

"Today, the gun smoke has dissipated. But, regrettably, the Kosovo issue is unresolved," Li told a joint session of the Federal Assembly of Yugoslavia. "Regional conflicts and disputes can only be resolved through peaceful consultations by parties concerned."

Li said the US missile attack on the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade 13 months ago that killed three Chinese journalists and rendered the embassy building unusable is "a case of grave international wrongdoing seldom seen in the history of diplomacy and a gross violation of China's sovereignty.''

The attack outraged the Chinese people, said Li, who arrived in Belgrade on Sunday for a three-day official visit.

The embassy bombing and the deaths of the Chinese journalists sparked anti-American protests in China.

Li expressed his gratitude for the help provided by Yugoslavia.

"On a matter of war and peace, no regional organization should be allowed to bypass the UN and its Security Council and act willfully," Li asserted.

He said China has always pursued an independent foreign policy of peace and the ultimate objective of China's foreign policy is to develop friendship and co-operation with all other countries.

On the Balkans, Li said China fully respects how countries in the region have each chosen their social systems and roads to development.

Li also said hegemony and power politics have manifested themselves in new forms and peace and development are still facing serious challenges.

China is in favour of multi-polarity because it is better than having the world dominated by one country.

"Given the complexity of international affairs, it is harmful and also impossible for any one country or a handful of countries to dominate international affairs," Li asserted.

Turning to accelerated globalization, he said developed countries are the main beneficiaries of economic globalization, as developing countries face greater risks and challenges.







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