DATE=1/6/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHINA-IRAQ (L-O)
NUMBER=2-257831
BYLINE=STEPHANIE HO
DATELINE=BEIJING
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Tariq Aziz, is in
China to discuss last month's United Nations resolution on
sanctions against his country. V-O-A's Stephanie Ho reports
from Beijing, China is among advocates of an early lifting
of the penalties imposed on Iraq for its 1990 invasion of
Kuwait.
TEXT: China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao says
Mr. Aziz will meet with Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao and
Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing Friday.
Mr. Zhu -- speaking through an interpreter -- said the talks
will focus on the U-N resolution passed last month.
// ZHU INTERPRETER ACT //
That is, on 17th of December last year, the U-N Security
Council adopted resolution 12-84.
// END ACT //
Under this resolution, U-N weapons inspectors could return
to Iraq and Gulf War sanctions against Baghdad could be
suspended. But the Iraqi government must first agree to
cooperate with a new international arms inspection agency
that will complete the dismantling of Iraq's weapons of mass
destruction.
China joined Russia, France and Malaysia in abstaining on
the 11-to-zero vote.
Mr. Aziz has dismissed the resolution, saying the proposed
suspension of sanctions is a trick by the United States and
Britain to mislead world public opinion.
When asked whether Beijing supports Baghdad, Mr. Zhu said
Iraq must cooperate fully with the United Nations and
implement all relevant Security Council Resolutions.
// ZHU INTERPRETER ACT //
At the same time, as a sovereign country, its sovereignty
and territorial integrity should (be) respected by the
international community.
// END ACT //
The Chinese spokesman added that Beijing feels the
international community should make a fair and objective
evaluation, and gradually ease the sanctions against Iraq.
Mr. Aziz's China trip includes the southern cities of
Shenzhen and Sanya. Afterwards, official Iraqi media
reports say he will travel to Malaysia. (signed)
NEB/HO/FC
06-Jan-2000 06:08 AM EDT (06-Jan-2000 1108 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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