Kong said China has taken note of the latest televised speech by US President George. W. Bush. China's principled stance on the Iraqi issue, which consists of settling the problem politically through diplomatic means within the framework of the United Nations, remains unchanged, Kong said.

He said China's position consists of requiring Iraq to implement the relevant resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council in a comprehensive manner, and China, as a responsible member of the international community, appeals strongly for peace and for the avoidance of war in the current situation.

Kong said that the international community had pinned its hopes on the United Nations and the UN Security Council, and that is why Resolution 1441 was approved unanimously by the 15 members of the Security Council.

Resolution 1441 is a milestone, establishing a series of requirements for Iraq and defining tasks for the UN inspection agencies, Kong said, adding that the guiding role of the United Nations and the UN Security Council, which consists of seeking a political settlement, should be maintained.

As a peace-loving country, China opposes the use of force in international affairs and is ready to work with the international community to avoid war, he said.

Kong said, China, within the framework of the United Nations and the Security Council, will appeal strongly for a peaceful and political settlement of the Iraqi issue and will require the Iraqi side to implement the relevant resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council.

China will elaborate its stance to relevant countries on a bilateral basis in the hope that these nations will heed the appeals for peace from the international community and follow the current trend in favor of world peace and development, noted Kong.

China has acted, is acting and will continue to act according to these principles, added Kong.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2003)