A key Chinese lawmaker on Monday urged world parliamentarians to
build a harmonious world through taking an active part in
international affairs at the 114th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
assembly held in Nairobi.
Cheng Siwei, the vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the
National People's Congress (NPC) of China, told world
parliamentarians that peace and development are the two major
issues of the times and mankind has a long way to go in addressing
them. He urged parliamentarians to work hard to build a harmonious
world of enduring peace and common prosperity.
"With global industrial restructuring and accelerated flow and
transfer of production factors, countries are linked by ever closer
economic ties and greater interdependence. World economic
development is now in an important period of opportunities," Cheng
said in general debate on the political, economic and social
situation in the world.
"At the same time, considerable destabilizing and uncertain
factors and traditional security threats still exist, and
nontraditional security threats, such as terrorism, proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction, pollution, natural disasters and
infectious diseases, have become prominent. The negative impact of
economic globalization is more evident and the North-South gap is
widening," said the leader of the Chinese delegation to the IPU
assembly.
Cheng asked his colleagues all over the world to try their best
to make true the dream of harmonious world.
"We, parliamentarians of all countries, should not only pay
attention to domestic issues but also set our sights on the world.
We should take an active part in international affairs to foster a
sound external environment for the development of our respective
countries and, in the meantime, make due contributions to world
peace and development," he said.
The Chinese parliamentarian leader gave suggestions on the
issue. All countries should adhere to the universally recognized
international law and the basic norms of international relations.
Uphold multilateralism, promote democratization of international
relations and safeguard the right of all countries to equal
participation in international affairs. Seek resolution of disputes
and conflicts through peaceful means like dialogue, consultation
and negotiation. Endeavor to ease the imbalance in development and
establish an open, equitable and rules-based multilateral trade
system. Acknowledge the differences in cultural tradition and
values and advocate mutual respect, learning from each other and
common development in the cultural field.
Cheng said China is a member of the international community and
its interests are connected with the interests of other
countries.
"We are ready to make continuous efforts with the international
community, the member states of the IPU included, to safeguard
world peace and promote common development," he concluded.
The IPU, the world organization of parliaments normally holds
its assemblies twice a year, once in a designated host country
among its members and once at its headquarters in Geneva.
About 1,500 legislators from around the world are meeting in
Kenya this week for broad discussions on weapons proliferation,
women's rights and global environmental issues.
(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2006)
