Olympic torch escort's work

Jiang said China hoped "relevant country" would understand and aid the work of the Beijing Olympic torch escort.

Jiang made the remarks when asked to comment on Japan's refusal of the torch escort from China in the relay in Nagano, on April 26.

She said the convention of arranging the escort in the relay has been approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

She said the escorts, all volunteers, protected the torch with their bodies from the seizure by "Tibetan independence" supporters.

"This kind of spirit should be praised and understood, while the mob which disrupts should receive universal condemnation," she said, adding China hoped "relevant country" would have a clear understanding of the task and provide active coordination and assistance for the relay.

Jiang praised the torch relay in Pakistan, saying China noticed that Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have both attended the ceremonies of the torch relay which was a great success in Islamabad.

"Through the relay, we have seen the colorful culture of Pakistan and the great enthusiasm of the Pakistani people toward the Olympics," said Jiang.

On the torch relay in India, scheduled for Thursday, Jiang said the Indian people hoped to use the opportunity to show India's ancient culture and modern development achievements, and China believed the Indian government would take effective measures to ensure a smooth and safe torch relay in New Delhi.

Meeting on Iraqi issue

Zhai Jun, China's assistant foreign minister, will attend a meeting of foreign ministers of Iraq's neighbors to be held in Kuwait on April 22 at the invitation of the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry, Jiang announced.

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2008)