"These resolutions should be the basis for the solution to the Iraqi issue," Kong said at yesterday's regular press briefing.

"Iraq should resume its cooperation with the UN and accept the return of UN inspectors to Baghdad, and Iraqi concern for its territorial integrity and sovereignty should be respected," he added.

China has always held that regional conflicts should be resolved in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and force should not be used as a threat in disputes between nations, Monday's issue of People's Daily quoted Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan as saying.

Tang, heading a Chinese delegation, is now in New York attending the 57th UN General Assembly.

The Iraqi issue, along with the problems of Afghanistan, the Middle East and the regional conflicts in Africa are among the regional issues that the delegation is expected to present to the assembly.

On the Middle East issue, the spokesman said China has always opposed and condemned violence against innocent civilians.

He called on Israel and Palestine to face the facts, exercise restraint and break the cycle of violence for the sake of long-term peace in the region as well as to seek a solution through dialogue and peaceful negotiations.

At the UN assembly, the Chinese delegation is expected to push for enhanced efforts in disarmament and arms control, giving priority to the prevention of an arms race in outer space, Kong said.

The delegation is expected to raise suggestions on the structural mechanisms of the UN, which will include an elevation of the UN's role in international affairs, peace-keeping activities, and financial reform of the UN.

China thinks a solid financial basis is the precondition for the UN to enhance its role, Kong said.

The delegation will touch on social problems including drug crackdown, illegal immigrants and human rights.

(China Daily September 11, 2002)