China decides to forgive Iraq debts, reopen embassy

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, February 06, 2004

China decides to forgive Iraq debts, reopen embassy

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue reiterated that China has decided to forgive debts from Iraq Thursday at the regular press conference.

The size of the debts to be forgiven is now being calculated and studied, Zhang added.

As a developing country, China fully understands difficulties of the reconstruction and the humanitarian situation in Iraq, she explained, expressing her hope that the Iraqi people can quickly step on the road of stable and peaceful development.

She stressed China attaches importance to the reconstruction in Iraq and expected the international community to strengthen cooperation in this regard.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said China considers reducing the debts owed to it by Iraq out of humanitarian concern during his meeting with James Baker, special envoy to the US president last December.

China's stance on Iraq issue unchanged

China's stance on the Iraq issue remains unchanged and China maintains that international conflicts should not be addressed through military forces, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman.

She stressed China has stated its stance on the Iraq issue even before the Iraq war and such a stance has remained unchanged.

Despite of the complicated international situation, international issues should be resolved peacefully by political means, she added.

Diplomats to leave for Iraq for reopening embassy

A group of Chinese diplomats will leave Beijing in a few days for Iraq to make preparations for the reopening of the Chinese embassy there, said Zhang.

Zhang said the group will be headed by Chinese interim Charge d'Affairs to Iraq Sun Bigan, and is composed of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce.

She said that upon their arrival in Iraq, these diplomats will keep wide contact with officials from the Temporary Governing Council of Iraq, the US-led coalition and the United Nations, so as to make further preparations for the reopening of the Chinese embassy in Iraq.

She said China has traditional friendly relations with Iraq, and holds very positive attitude on Iraq's quick restoration of stability and peace. With the efforts of this group of diplomats, China will further develop the traditional friendship with the Iraqi people and maintain its rights and interests in Iraq.

Zhang said these diplomats will also assist other Chinese people in Iraq in the Iraqi reconstruction work.

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