Beijing: The new Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on March 18 said a war against Iraq should be avoided and appealed to Baghdad to fully disarm, so that the vexed issue could be settled peacefully within the framework of United Nations.

"War should be avoided," Wen said in his maiden news conference at the Great Hall of the People, after being elected China's Premier on March 16.

"Now the war on Iraq is like an arrow put upon a bow, and under the touch-and-go situation. Even with a clinch of hope, China will not give up efforts to solve the Iraq issue through political means," he said.

"China's stance on the Iraqi issue is a clear-cut one," Wen said, adding "China will continue to adhere to the position that the Iraqi issue should be resolved by peaceful and political means."

Commenting on US President George W Bush's ultimatum to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to leave the country within 48 hours or face war, Wen said he has noticed the latest address made by the US President.

Without specifically commenting on Bush's statement, Wen said all parties should comply with the UN resolution 1441, since it complies with the UN charter and said the inspection work should be continued to locate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

Wen asked the Iraqi government to strictly abide by the relevant UN resolutions and co-operate with weapons inspectors, saying "Iraq should not possess any weapons of mass destruction."

PTI