"It is a result of the joint efforts by the international community and we hope these inspectors can submit an objective report to the Security Council as early as possible," Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said Tuesday at a regular press briefing.

UN weapons inspectors were pulled out of Iraq at the end of 1998 on the eve of US-British bombing raids and have not been allowed to return.

Responding to the skeptical attitude of the United States, Kong said Iraq's decision has shown a positive sign for co-operation with the UN.

China also urges Iraq to implement the relevant UN resolutions completely and effectively to pave the way for an early, peaceful solution.

Turning to the Middle East situation, Kong said China has decided to appoint Wang Shijie, a senior diplomat, as a special envoy to the region to enhance its diplomatic mediation efforts.

The move is in response to an appeal from Arab nations which have called for China to play a bigger role in the matter.

China will further enhance its consultation and contact with Israel, Arab nations and other members of the international community to make efforts for the peaceful solution of the Middle East conflict, Kong said.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has always been actively pushing for a peaceful solution.

Kong also said at the briefing China regrets the visit of Singapore's senior minister, Lee Kuan Yew, to Taiwan. "We hoped Singapore could stick to the one-China policy both by words and deeds," he said.

Kong also reiterated China's strong opposition to all arms sales to Taiwan in response to reports that a German shipbuilder intends to sell submarines to Taiwan, in addition to the possibility of Taiwan buying submarines from Israel.

He said Germany and Israel have promised to stand by the one-China policy, develop their relations with China and honor the commitments made when establishing ties with China by not selling weapons to Taiwan.

In relation to Afghanistan, Kong said UN bodies should enhance co-ordination in post-war reconstruction efforts, which China considers as a vital guarantee for Afghanistan's progress.

Kong said China - as a friendly neighbor of Afghanistan - has taken an active part in the peace building and post-war reconstruction of the country and has offered it huge amounts of assistance.

"China is willing to work with the international community to push for the peace of Afghanistan," he said.

A high-profile meeting about Afghanistan was held at UN headquarters on Friday.

(China Daily September 18, 2002)