On the evening of March 31, 2003, Foreign
Minister Li Zhaoxing held a telephone conversation with his
British counterpart Jack Straw.
Jack Straw
briefed Li Zhaoxing on the meeting of British and U.S.
leaders at Camp David and British consideration about the
arrangements after the Iraqi war, and said his country hopes
the United Nations will play a key role in post-war
arrangements of Iraq.
Li Zhaoxing said China
is extremely worried about the situation in Iraq. The war
has caused a large number of civilian casualties and led to
serious humanitarian problems. It has also added
uncertainties to stability in the Gulf region and economic
development in other parts of the world. He said that the UN
Resolution 1472 to adjust the "oil for food"
program unanimously endorsed at the Security Council on
March 28 was a significant move to meet the urgent
humanitarian needs in Iraq.
Li pointed out
that the use of force does not conform to any sides
interest. China called for an end to the Iraq war as soon as
possible and efforts at resolving the crisis politically.
He stressed that the UN is crucial to solving
the Iraqi issue properly, saying China is willing to join
hands with the international community to maintain the role
of the UN and the authority of the Security Council in
international issues.
The two foreign
ministers also exchanged opinions on the North Korean
nuclear issue and the situation between India and Pakistan.
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