Q: Today the Iraqi Ambassador to China went to the Foreign Ministry of China to discuss with the Chinese side the current situation in Iraq, the fall of the Saddam Regime and the China-Iraq relations in the future. What is your comment on that?

A: I am not aware of the specific information you mentioned. However, the Chinese government will continue to handle the relevant issues of Iraq in accordance with the international law and China’s relevant laws and regulations.

Q: Now crucial changes have taken place in the war in Iraq. What further assistance will the Chinese government provide to Iraq? How does China view the post-war reconstruction in Iraq and what role will it play in this regard?

A: On your first question, the war has inflicted severe humanitarian problems on the Iraqi people. China is following closely the development of the humanitarian situation in Iraq, and is among the earliest countries to provide humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi refugees. Since the war broke out, we have provided a certain amount of emergency humanitarian assistance to Jordan to help the Iraqi refugees there. In the meantime, the Red Cross Society of China has also taken similar move. At present, the humanitarian situation in Iraq is further deteriorating. The Chinese government and people are very concerned about the difficult plight of the Iraqi people, and will continue to provide more humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people through various effective channels.

On your second question, we stand for the overall and proper settlement of the Iraqi issue within the UN framework according to the relevant UN resolutions. The top priority is to put an immediate stop to hostilities to avoid further humanitarian crisis, and to restore peace and stability in Iraq.

Q: What role will China play in the post-war reconstruction in Iraq? Who do you believe should run the new government in Iraq?

A: In respect of your first question, China has always maintained that the Iraqi issue should be resolved comprehensively and properly within the UN framework according to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. It is also our hope that the United Nations will soon work out a specific plan on the post-war arrangement of Iraq and make full preparations in due course. In addressing the post-war affairs of Iraq, we hold that the political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq should be respected; the willingness and choice of the Iraqi people should be respected; the rational concerns of the surrounding countries of Iraq and the relevant parties should be respected; and the leading role of the United Nations should be respected.

Q: The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution to exclude Germany, France, Russia and Syria from participating in the post-war reconstruction in Iraq due to their anti-war stand. However, despite China’s anti-war position, it is not excluded. What is your comment on that?

A: I have also read the news you mentioned. On the issue of the post-war reconstruction in Iraq, the stand of the Chinese government is for an overall and thorough settlement of the Iraq question within the UN framework according to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. It is our hope that the relevant parties will make their due efforts in this direction.

Q: The Saddam regime did not use the weapons of mass destruction even under the threat of the US forces. What is your comment on that?

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A: As for the issue of the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, China’s stand has been consistent. We have always stood for the strict and earnest inspections on the alleged Iraq’s possession of the weapons of mass destruction according to the UN Security Council resolutions. Concerning the war in Iraq, China has already made clear its stand at the very beginning of the war and this position remains unchanged.

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Q: Did China hold any consultations with other members of the Security Council including Pakistan on the role of the UN in the post-war reconstruction of Iraq?

A: As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, China has maintained close consultation on the Iraqi question with other members of the Security Council for a comprehensive and proper settlement. China stands ready to make its own effort to seek a comprehensive and proper settlement of the question to realize lasting peace and stability in the Gulf region.

Q: What is your comment on the fall of Baghdad and the Saddam regime?

A: Today the war in Iraq has entered into its 22nd day. The war over the past three weeks and more has inflicted a large amount of civil casualties and property damage on Iraq, and in the meantime caused serious humanitarian disaster. It is our sincere hope that the relevant hostilities would come to an end soon so that the Iraqi people can live a peaceful and stable life.

Q: What is your comment on the death of the four journalists in Baghdad?

A: We express condolences to the tragic death of some journalists in the battlefield in Iraq. Such tragedy once again demonstrated the cruelty of war. China has always stood for the peaceful settlement of international disputes through political means and is not in favor of the use or threat of force to resolve the relevant issues.

Q: Could you be more specific on the role of the United Nations in the post-war reconstruction efforts in Iraq?

A: The United Nations should play a leading role in the post-war reconstruction in Iraq. In handling the post-war reconstruction issues, including the political, economic and other aspects, the relevant members of the UN Security Council will have consultations. It is our hope that the United Nations will work out a draft plan as soon as possible and make full preparations for the relevant post-war reconstruction efforts.

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