Mr. Chairman,
Today, we the delegates
of the Security Council members, major donor states,
international institutions and non-governmental
organisations are gathered here at the UN Headquarters to
discuss the important issue of the reconstruction of Iraq.
Our meeting is of great significance.
The
post-war Iraqi reconstruction should aim to promote the
country's long-term peace, stability and development and
ensure the long-term interests of the Iraqi people and a
lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. In
this context, I wish to take this opportunity to emphasize
the following points on Iraq's
reconstruction:
1. Adherence to the principles
of reconstruction which were established in the Security
Council Resolution 1483 is essential. Resolution
1483 offers a basic framework for Iraq's post-war
reconstruction and stresses the fundamental principles for
resolving the Iraq issue, including maintaining sovereignty
and territorial integrity of Iraq, respecting the
independent will of the Iraqi people and giving full play to
the important role for the United Nations. These
principles reflect the common will of the international
community and must be fully and earnestly
observed.
2. Security and stability of
Iraq is the precondition. The law and order in
Iraq should be restored as early as possible by the
concerted efforts of all parties, so as to create a sound
environment for reconstruction. The Iraqi people
should be allowed to be the master of their own destiny and
shape their own future. The international
community should be actively involved in the launching of
the political process, form an interim administrative
authority, hold general elections under international
supervision and establish a new and broad-based Iraqi
government.
3. Humanitarian relief is the most
urgent task. It is imperative to make full use of
the existing aid networks in the international community,
especially those of the UN and increase human and other
resources so as to alleviate the humanitarian situation in
Iraq as soon as possible. All parties concerned
should deliver their promises to help the Iraqi people get
out of the predicament. Delivery is what matters
most.
4. Infrastructure development is the top
priority. Infrastructure bears directly on the
national economy and peoples livelihood and
constitutes an important foundation underpinning sustainable
development. In view of the reality and practical
needs in Iraq, we suggest that reconstruction efforts focus,
at this stage, on power and water supply, transport,
communication and other infrastructure projects as well as
education, public health and oil production.
5.
The role of the UN is an important guarantee for the
reconstruction endeavour. The post-war
reconstruction involves work on many fronts. It
wont succeed without coordinated and concerted efforts
of all countries, international agencies, NGOs and, above
all, the important role of the United Nations. We hope that
a master plan and its specifics can be worked out as soon as
possible under the auspices of the UN. It is of
critical importance in Iraqi reconstruction to bring into
full play the enthusiasm of all parties and encourage and
ensure their equal participation.
Mr.
Chairman,
China attaches great importance to
the Iraqi reconstruction and have provided humanitarian
assistance to Iraq. Some Chinese medium and small
enterprises are making preparations to enter Iraq. China
stands ready to join the rest of the international community
in an active participation in the post-war Iraqi
reconstruction so as to help the Iraqi people restore peace
and stability to their country at an early
date.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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