On 20 March, bypassing the UN Security Council, the
United States and some other countries launched military
operations against Iraq. The Chinese Government hereby
expresses its serious concern.
The Chinese
Government has all along stood for a political settlement of
the Iraq issue within the UN framework, urging the Iraqi
Government to fully and earnestly implement the relevant
Security Council resolutions and calling for respect for
Iraqs sovereignty and territorial integrity by the
international community.
Security Council
Resolution 1441 adopted unanimously last November is an
important basis for a political settlement of the Iraq
question. It is the widely-held view in the international
community that the strict implementation of Resolution 1441
can deny Iraq weapons of mass destruction through peaceful
means. The Chinese Government has worked tirelessly with
various countries to this end.
War will
inevitably lead to humanitarian disasters and undermine the
security, stability and development of the region and the
world at large. People throughout the world detest war and
want to see peace preserved. The Chinese Government is
always committed to peace and stability in the world. We
stand for settlement of international disputes by political
means and reject the use or threat of force in international
affairs. The Chinese Government strongly appeals to the
relevant countries to stop military actions and return to
the right path of seeking a political solution to the Iraq question.
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