China's permanent representative to the UN Wang Guangya says the swearing-in of Hamid Karzai as Afghan President marks a major breakthrough in Afghan peace process.

Wang Guangya told the 59th UN General Assembly that the UN should now play a key role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. He says China hopes the country can smoothly push forward all government affairs, including its parliamentary and local elections.

Wang Guangya is calling on the international community to keep a close eye on the country and provide necessary assistance to its government.

He adds China fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and will earnestly fulfill its commitment to providing US$150 million towards assisting the central Asian country.

(CRI.com December 9, 2004)