China hopes Iraq will resume stability and realize "Iraqi people governing Iraq" at an early date, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan in Beijing Thursday.  

Kong expressed the hope that the current visit of Bahr Ul-Uloum, president of the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC), to China would enhance the understanding between the two sides.

Noting that the Chinese government's attitude and stance on the Iraq issue has been consistent, he said the Chinese government always holds that international disputes and conflicts should be resolved through political means and under the framework of the United Nations.

China's stance is consistent with UN Security Council's relevant resolutions and the common aspiration of the international community, Kong said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao would meet with Ul-Uloum Thursday and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will hold talks with him Friday, the spokesman said, adding that during his visit, Ul-Uloum would also visit Zhongguancun Hi-tech Park in Beijing, which is dubbed as China's silicon valley, and the Great Wall.

Ul-Uloum arrived here Thursday afternoon for a visit to China from March 25 to 27 at the invitation of the Chinese side. This is the first China tour for the IGC president.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2004)