The statement came as Shen Guofang, the deputy Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, was speaking to an open UN Security Council session on Kosovo.

China backs the UNMIK efforts to prepare for the election, Shen said, expressing his hope that the election can be successfully conducted in a just and peaceful atmosphere.

The council is considering a report by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Kosovo as the local election, slated for November 17, is drawing near in the UN-administered province.

Shen called for effective UNMIK efforts to ensure the safe return of refugees and the smooth rebuilding of the communities of ethnic minorities.

In his report, Annan said that the violence, including attacks on ethnic minorities, arson and attacks on police, took place in Kosovo, and he was greatly concerned over the security condition during election.

Annan also predicted that the political violence might occur during the election, Shen said, adding that effective efforts should be taken to ensure the safety and security of Serbs and other ethnic minorities in Kosovo.

"We always maintain that it is an important aim to promote the reconciliation and tolerance among all ethnic groups in the region, and it is also the only way towards building a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo," he said.

China is also pleased to see the increased contacts and cooperation between the Yugoslav Government and UNMIK, he said. " It is not possible to properly solve the Kosovo issue without the cooperation and participation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia."

(People's Daily 10/06/2001)