Foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao Thursday called for
"political will" and "sincerity" to encourage talks that may ease
tensions between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
and the United States over the DPRK nuclear issue.
"The realization of dialogue requires political will and sincerity
from all parties concerned," Liu told a regular briefing. "It also
needs the encouragement and support of the international
community."
China has been a strong advocate for the peaceful resolution of the
dispute between the DPRK and the US since tension escalated last
autumn.
"The nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula must be resolved
peacefully through dialogue," reiterated Liu. "From this principle,
China has been making active and constructive efforts for this
goal."
The tense situation on the Korean Peninsula shows signs of
improvement after the DPRK agreed on Saturday that it will not
stick to any particular dialogue format for settlement of the
nuclear issue if the US drops its anti-DPRK policy.
China Will Offer Consideration on Iraq Reconstruction
China will put forward its consideration of the issue of Iraq's
post-war reconstruction at the appropriate time, the Foreign
Ministry spokesman said.
China holds that the post-war reconstruction of Iraq should be
conducted within the framework of the United Nations, and "China is
also willing to take part in it."
When asked for the specific measures China would take in this
regard, Liu said China will be open to any measure, provided it
benefits both the Iraqi people and the restoration of peace and
stability in Iraq.
China is willing to improve communication and coordination with all
parties, said Liu, adding that it will offer its consideration at
the appropriate time.
Liu also said China emphasizes that the international community
should respect Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Iraqi
people's will and choice, the reasonable concerns of all Iraq's
neighboring countries as well as all countries' legitimate
interests in Iraq.
(People's Daily April 18, 2003)