FM spokesman Talk on Iraq Issue

(24/10/2002)
Q: What is China's comment on the new draft resolution on Iraq submitted by the US to the UN Security Council?

A: China's attitude on the Iraqi issue is very clear. The UN weapons inspectors should return to Iraq as soon as possible to start work, which is an indispensable step to solve the issue. The Security Council should decide on the next move according to the result of the inspection. The Chinese side will seriously consider proposals that help achieve the above-mentioned goal and will maintain contact and consultation with various parties to promote an earlier political solution to the Iraqi issue within the UN framework.


Q: What is China's comment on the US draft resolution itself? Does China think it is rigid or ineffective?

A: I think I have made clear China's position on the Iraqi issue. The Chinese side will continue to maintain contact and consultation and hopes that the UN Security Council will soon reach agreement on the relevant issue.



(22/10/2002)
Q: According to the reports in Washington, a copy of the new draft resolution on Iraq has been distributed to all the members of the UN Security Council on Monday. Can you confirm that China has received the copy and is China considering it? What is China's latest position on this question?

A: China has already received the copy of the new draft resolution on Iraq and we have maintained close contacts and consultation with the relevant parties on that. The Chinese side always holds that the UN weapons inspectors should return to Iraq as soon as possible to start work and the Security Council should decide on the next step in light of the inspection result. For any proposal that will facilitate the UN weapons inspection in Iraq, help overhaul and eliminate its weapons of mass destruction and promote the political solution of the issue, we will give serious consideration.