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Chinese Premier Discusses Iraqi Issue with Aziz

Xinhua, 28 January 2002

BEIJING, January 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said Monday during a meeting with visiting Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz that China is willing to continue its efforts toward an early solution to the Iraqi issue.

China has been advocating that the remaining issues from the 1991 Gulf War, including sanctions against Iraq, should be settled fairly and justly, and at an early date, on the basis of the related resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, the Premier said.

China also maintains that Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected by the international community, Zhu said.

Zhu pointed out that China hopes Iraq will strengthen its cooperation with the United Nations and endeavor to improve its relations with neighboring countries to create conditions for an early lifting of sanctions against it.

China is willing to continue its efforts towards an early solution to the Iraqi issue, Zhu said.

The Chinese Premier spoke highly of the smooth development of bilateral ties of friendly cooperation, noting that the strengthening of the traditonal friendship and deepening cooperation are a common aspiration for both nations.

On the anti-terrorism issue, the premier said that China opposes terrorism of all forms, and it holds that in combating terrorism there should be no double standard and targets should not be wantonly extended.

Aziz said that he fully agrees with Premier Zhu's comments on bilateral relations. He extended Iraqi leaders' greetings to Chinese leaders.

Aziz said that Iraq attaches great importance to the role of China in international affairs. He spoke highly of China's stance on the Iraqi issue, and expects China will make new efforts in bringing an early solution to the Iraqi issue.