| China's FM clarifies stance on Iraq, Mideast, Afghanistan (09/09/02) |
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| 2004/04/22 |
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China has always held that regional conflicts should
be resolved in accordance with the purposes and principles
of the United Nations Charter, and force should not be used
or used as a threat in disputes between nations, China's
Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said in the Sept. 9 issue of
the People's Daily.
In an
exclusive interview with China's leading newspaper, Tang,
who will attend this week's 57th UN General Assembly in New
York, said the Iraq issue should be properly settled through
political and diplomatic means based on the relevant
resolutions of the UN Security Council. Iraq should fully
comply with the relevant resolutions and resume cooperation
with the United Nations.
Meanwhile, Iraq's sovereignty,
territorial integrity and reasonable security should be
respected, and humanitarian conditions improved, Tang said.
On the Middle East issue,
while opposing violence against innocent civilians, Tang
said China maintains that the Middle East problem should
have a comprehensive, fair and permanent solution based on
the relevant UN resolutions and the
"land-for-peace" principle.
Tang called on the
international community to mediate more actively in the
Israeli-Palestinian issue, and for both sides to keep calm,
exercise restraint, reestablish mutual trust and resume
peace talks as soon as possible.
China, as a permanent member
of the UN Security Council and Afghanistan's neighbor, has
consistently worked for Afghan peace and development and
provided considerable aid. Afghanistan now is at a crucial
time, Tang said, and the international community should
continue to give their concern and help, honor their aid
commitments, and speed up the process of Afghan
reconstruction. China supports the United Nations continuing
to play an important role in Afghanistan, Tang added.
Tang pointed out that the
causes of regional conflicts are quite complex. There are
both internal and external factors. Some conflicts are
caused by political, ethnic or religious factors, and some
by underdevelopment and poverty. Therefore, the removal of
the conflicts' origin should be attended to, Tang said.
The Chinese delegation led by
Tang Jiaxuan left Beijing on Sept. 9 for the Assembly. Tang
will deliver a speech in the general debate of the assembly
and attend UN meetings on African development, Afghanistan
and anti-terrorism.
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