Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing had a phone conversation with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan Monday night and the two sides exchanged views on the UN Security Council's new draft resolution on Iraq.

Li said the Chinese side holds that the Iraqi issue should be resolved within the framework of the United Nations and China supports the United Nations to play a key role.

On the new resolution, Li said China believes that the Iraqi people's will should be respected and opinions from different sides should be taken into consideration so as to reach a broad consensus.

Annan said he appreciates China's stance on the Iraqi issue and he hopes China will continue to play a constructive role in the UN Security Council.

(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2004)