Liu said China would deal with the issue of the Iraqi Embassy in China in accordance with international and Chinese laws.

Liu revealed that China would resolve the issue of billions of dollars of debt Iraq has owed China through friendly consultation and in line of international laws and norms.

On the looting of the Chinese Embassy in Iraq, Liu said China considered it the obligation of parties engaged in war to secure the people and property of foreign embassies and consulates according to international law.

The Chinese government had made emergency representations to the United States, and the latter had promised to take effective measures to prevent any further impingement upon the Chinese Embassy, Liu said.

China would closely monitor the development of the case, Liu added.

(Xinhua News Agency April 16, 2003)