Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing says Thursday's revisions to the UN draft resolution on Iraq will promote the resumption of sovereignty, the political process and economic reconstruction if passed by the UN Security Council.

Li made the remark during separate phone conversations with his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov and French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin Thursday afternoon, who both congratulated Li on the success of China's first manned space flight.

Li said the Iraq issue would inevitably return to the UN framework for settlement.

The concerned sides expanded consensus on the newly revised draft, Li said.

Ivanov had said Russia valued close consultation with China on international affairs.

The draft was amended through the joint efforts of Russia, China and all parties concerned, Ivanov had said, adding Russia hoped it would be conducive to the political settlement process.

De Villepin had said France had conveyed its concerns on the draft and would maintain close contact with China and all parties concerned.

(Xinhua News Agency October 17, 2003)