Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said on Thursday that Iraq's peace and stability depends on "Iraqi people governing Iraq."

 

Liu made the remark when asked to comment on US President George W. Bush's decision to send more troops to Iraq and on whether more troops in Iraq will be conducive to peace and stability there.

 

"China believes that it will only be when 'Iraqi people govern Iraq' that the country will achieve peace, stability and reconciliation and that Iraq will be able to become a country of democracy, liberty, the protection of human rights and economic development," he said.

 

Bush announced on Wednesday night in a prime-time televised speech that he has ordered more than 20,000 additional American troops to Iraq, as part of his new Iraq strategy.

 

Bush said the US would change its strategy to help Iraqis reduce sectarian violence and improve safety in Baghdad, and that would require more soldiers.

 

Liu said China had paid close attention to Bush's speech that the situation in Iraq remained turbulent, and that reconstruction work was beset with difficulties.

 

"The Iraqi situation concerns regional security and stability, and China sincerely hopes Iraq will stabilize as soon as possible so that the Iraqi people can live peaceful lives," said Liu.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2007)