Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan reiterated China's stance on the Iraq issue at a regular press conference in Beijing Thursday.  

Kong said the Chinese government holds that international disputes and conflicts should be resolved through dialogue or other political way and under the framework of the UN Security Council, which is responsible for world peace and stability.

Kong said practice in the past year has proved that China's stance is right.

The situation in Iraq did not improve in the past year, with bombing attacks constantly happening recently, Kong said, adding that the international community including the Chinese government and people showed deep concern over the current situation in Iraq.

He expressed the hope that Iraq resume stability, realize "Iraqi people governing Iraq" and start reconstruction work as soon as possible, so as to allow the Iraqi people to live a peaceful and stable life, which is also the common desire of the international community, Kong said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2004)