Foreign Ministry Spokesman Kong Quan said in Beijing Friday that it is necessary for the United Nations Security Council to pass a new resolution on the Iraq issue, and China is conscientiously studying a US-drafted resolution.

In response to a reporter's question at a press conference, Kong said that to stabilize the security situation in Iraq and reinstate Iraq's sovereignty as quickly as possible, while speeding up the rebuilding of the country, is not only the consensus of the international community, but also the ardent desire of the Iraqi people.

Kong said the United Nations should play an essential role in accomplishing the above goals, and the Chinese side agrees that a new resolution on Iraq should be passed.

The Chinese side is conscientiously studying the new draft resolution just distributed to the permanent members of the UN Security Council by the United States, and hopes to have an in-depth exchange of ideas with all sides concerned, Kong noted.

With a constructive attitude, the Chinese side is willing to take an active part in the relevant consultations, and hopes that all sides can reach consensus as soon as possible, the spokesman said.

According to sources with the United Nations, the distributed US draft resolution asks for a multinational force to secure stability in Iraq and for more international help in rebuilding the country.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2003)