As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a "friend of Iraq," China will maintain its push for the comprehensive, just and rational resolution of the Iraqi issue at an early date, Qian Qichen said while talking with Aziz.

Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, during a separate meeting with Aziz, also voiced China's opposition to the sanctions imposed on Iraq.

The establishment of "no-fly zones" by some Western countries has violated the UN Charter and the norms of international relations and ignores and tramples on Iraq's sovereignty, Tang was quoted as saying by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman.

China firmly condemns the practice, which has brought large casualties and losses to Iraq and increased tension, Tang added.

According to the spokesman, Aziz spoke highly of the role China has played in resolving the Iraqi issue and hoped that China will continue to make contributions.

The United States, through its hostile policies towards Iraq, does not seek to solve the issue of the Gulf, but to overthrow the current Iraqi Government, the spokesman quoted Aziz as saying.

After 10 years under UN sanctions, Iraq has recently started taking steady steps towards cultivating better ties with other countries. Diplomatic ties between Iraq and Egypt have been restored and Saudi Arabia has reopened its land border with Iraq.

China approves of the efforts Iraq has made to improve its relations with its neighbours, Qian said.

This is Aziz's second visit to China in a year. He also visited in January.

According to the Foreign Ministry spokesman, Qian said China attaches importance to the cultivation of bilateral relations with Iraq, and has always encouraged Chinese companies to participate in the "oil for food" programme. He said China is willing to work with Iraq in expanding trade.

(China Daily 11/28/2000)