Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Russian Foreign Minister
Igor Ivanov held consultations via telephone Friday evening on the
Iraq issue.
Ivanov thanked Li for China's congratulatory message to the Russian
people on the 58th anniversary of Victory Day over Nazi Germany in
World War II, noting that it is a cause for celebration for
peace-loving people across the world.
Ivanov briefed Li on Russia's opinion of the draft resolution on
Iraq that the United States and other nations will submit to the
United Nations Security Council, saying the United Nations should
play an important role on this significant issue.
Russia stands ready to keep consulting with China so as to make
constructive efforts towards the solution of the Iraq issue, Ivanov
said.
Li
said the Iraq issue has entered a new stage and China shares quite
a few common views with Russia on the issue. Permanent UN
representatives from the two nations can continue consultations in
order to seek the proper solution to the issue, while maintaining
consultations with other members of the Security Council.
The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation in South
Asia and on China's fight against severe acute respiratory
syndrome.
(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2003)