Chinese President Jiang Zemin called on people across the world to join hands in advancing the lofty cause of peace and development of mankind, saying that a peaceful environment is indispensable for national, regional and even global development.
The international situation in today's world is, on the whole, moving towards relaxation, Jiang said at the Fortune Global Forum, which opened Tuesday at the new wing of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.
However, he pointed out, conflicts and even local wars triggered by various factors have kept cropping up, and tension still remains in some areas. All this has impeded the economic development of the countries and regions concerned, and has also adversely affected the world economy.
The president blamed a few interest groups for always wanting to seek gains by creating tension here and there. "This is against the will of the majority of the people and against the trend of the times."
Jiang also called on all responsible statesmen and governments to abide by the purposes of the UN Charter and the universally acknowledged norms governing international relations, and work for a universal, lasting and comprehensive peace.
"Nobody should be allowed to cause tension or armed conflicts against the interests of the people," he said.
(Xinhua 05/08/2001)
