On 20 March, bypassing the UN
Security Council, the United States and some other countries
launched military operations against Iraq. The Chinese
Government hereby expresses its serious concern.
The Chinese Government has all along
stood for a political settlement of the Iraq issue within
the UN framework, urging the Iraqi Government to fully and
earnestly implement the relevant Security Council
resolutions and calling for respect for Iraqs
sovereignty and territorial integrity by the international
community.
Security Council
Resolution 1441 adopted unanimously last November is an
important basis for a political settlement of the Iraq
question. It is the widely-held view in the international
community that the strict implementation of Resolution 1441
can deny Iraq weapons of mass destruction through peaceful
means. The Chinese Government has worked tirelessly with
various countries to this end.
War will inevitably lead to humanitarian disasters
and undermine the security, stability and development of the
region and the world at large. People throughout the world
detest war and want to see peace preserved. The Chinese
Government is always committed to peace and stability in the
world. We stand for settlement of international disputes by
political means and reject the use or threat of force in
international affairs. The Chinese Government strongly
appeals to the relevant countries to stop military actions
and return to the right path of seeking a political solution
to the Iraq question.