Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in Beijing Thursday that the accuracy and authenticity of the Iraqi report on weapons of massive destruction should be determined by the United Nations' inspection team and finally decided by the UN Security Council.
Liu made the remarks at a regular press conference, noting the UN inspectors are now carrying out their duties in Iraq, and Iraq has handed over to the United Nations a relevant report which is being examined by the countries concerned.
China holds the view that the weapons inspection should be carried out to clarify relevant questions, Liu said, adding the Iraqi issue should be politically settled within the UN security framework.
China is ready to maintain close consultation and cooperation with other countries concerned to push the Iraqi issue for a good direction, Liu said.
When asked whether China had sent delegates to a meeting held in London by Iraqi opposition parties, Liu said a country's domestic matters should be determined by its own people and no Chinese delegates had attended that meeting.
(Xinhua News Agency December 20, 2002)
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