President Hu Jintao spoke to the French president, Jacques Chirac, on the telephone on Sunday.  He said that China and France share similar views on international issues and should make joint efforts to promote the resolution of the Iraq issue and the peace process in the Middle East region.

Hu said he supports the efforts made by three EU states, France, Germany and the UK, to continue talks with Iran on a long-term resolution to the nuclear issue. China will continue to play a constructive role in this.

He also expressed concern about the unstable situation in Iraq. The recent conference that reached consensus on reconstruction reflected support from the international community for peace in the country.

Hu said China supports the Middle East peace process and that UN resolutions should be complied with and negotiations based on the principle of ‘land for peace.’ He hoped the Palestinian election will proceed successfully.

Chirac spoke positively on the remarkable results achieved through friendly cooperation in various fields between the two nations. He said he hoped they can maintain the momentum of mutual visits and continue strengthening exchanges and cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2004)