Beijing: Even as the United States and Britain make efforts to get a second
resolution on Iraq passed by the Security Council, China and France have stressed
that arms inspections under resolution 1441 must continue to avert a war.
"The weapons inspections in Iraq should be continued in the present situation
according to the UN security Council resolution 1441," Chinese Foreign Minister Tang
Jiaxuan told his French counterpart Dominique de Villepin over phone late on
February 18 night.
Tang said "it is still our direction of efforts" to seek political solution and
avoid war, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
China, along with France, the United States, Britain and Russia, has veto powers in
the Security Council.
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said a political solution
to the problem of Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction is still possible by
implementing the UN Security Council resolution 1441.
The international community hoped to solve the problem within the framework of the
United Nations, and China had repeatedly urged Iraq to observe the UN resolutions
comprehensively, earnestly and strictly, she said adding all parties concerned
should make efforts to ensure a peaceful solution of the issue.
Zhang said resolution 1441 stated clearly the conditions for weapons inspections and
it should continue accordingly.
"It is for the Security Council to decide its next move," she said when asked about
China's stand on a second resolution on Iraq.
She said discussion and consultation by the UN Security Council members are
necessary for the next step on Iraq.
The declaration by the European Union on Iraq's disarmament clearly showed its hope
of solving the problem peacefully, Zhang said.
PTI
