Vice Premier meets Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister
( 2002-01-28 16:02 ) (8 )

Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen held talks in Beijing on Monday with visiting Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz.

Aziz informed Qian of the latest development in the Iraqi issue and the stance of the Iraqi government. He said that the Iraqi issue has lasted for 12 years and has led to extreme hardships for the Iraqi people. Iraq hopes that sanctions against Iraq will be lifted as early as possible.

Qian Qichen said that China has always paid special attention to the development of the situation in Iraq, has sympathized deeply with the Iraqi suffering caused by the long standing sanctions, and has made great efforts to promote an early, just and rational settlement of the Iraqi issue.

He said that China believes that relevant resolutions by the United Nations Security Council are the basis for resolving the Iraqi issue. China does not support the expansion of anti-terror military action, at the same time hopes that Iraq will cooperate with the UN, to avoid new and complicated situations which might emerge.

He expressed appreciation for the efforts Iraq has made recently to improve relations with the Arab countries, and expressed the hope that this trend will continue.

Aziz spoke highly of China's principle position on the Iraqi issue, and expressed the hope that China will play a more active role in settling the Iraqi issue in a just and rational way.

The two sides also exchanged views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.