Chinese President Jiang Zemin had respective telephone conversations with Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Sunday night. Jiang exchanged views with the two presidents on the fight against terrorism and bilateral cooperation and elaborated China's principled stance on fighting against terrorism and safeguarding world peace.

In his talk with Pakistani president, Jiang described terrorism as a common scourge for the international community, saying it poses a threat to the peace and development of the whole world. He spoke highly of Musharraf's firm stance on anti-terrorism, saying he fully understands and respects the position Pakistan holds and the measures it has taken. Jiang also said that China is a sincere friend of Pakistan and will continue to enhance coordination and cooperation with Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Jiang stressed that any anti-terror operation must be conducted with conclusive evidence and concrete targets, and should conform to the United Nations Charter tenet and principles and the commonly acknowledged norms of international law. "This is also a consensus reached by the international community."

Musharraf, on his part, agreed to Jiang's view, saying that the decision of the Pakistani government to support anti-terror operations has won the assent of the majority of the Pakistani people.

The current situation has brought about difficulties to Pakistan's economic development, and under such circumstances, Pakistan sincerely hopes to continue exchanges and cooperation with the international community, Musharraf said.

Jiang said this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan, and the two sides should make concerted efforts to move forward the friendly bilateral relations.

In the phone talk with Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Jiang stressed that China, like Sri Lanka, is in favor of international cooperation in combating terrorism and is willing to continue its efforts in this respect.

China supports the efforts of the Sri Lankan government in promoting national reconciliation and safeguarding national unification, and sincerely hopes to see social stability and economic development in Sri Lanka, Jiang said.

He said China neighbors on South Asia and Afghanistan, and hopes that all the problems the region encounters could finally be settled in peaceful and just approaches.

China is willing to see various countries live in harmony and develop side by side, Jiang added.

Kumaratunga, on her part, agreed to Jiang's view, and stressed that Sri Lanka also firmly opposes terrorism.

She held that terrorism has its deep roots and anti-terrorism is a long-term struggle. The international community should cooperate in various fields and take concerted measures to combat international terrorism.

(china.org.cn 10/01/2001)