Powell, who requested the conversation, briefed Li on a draft resolution on the Iraqi issue that the United States will submit to the United Nations Security Council on May 10. The United States hoped the international community would lift the sanctions on Iraq as soon as possible.

Li stressed that it was the common wish of the international community to bring the important role of the United Nations to full play on the post-war arrangements and reconstruction of Iraq and to maintain the credibility and authority of the UN Security Council, which was also important basis for the comprehensive and proper resolution of the Iraqi issue.

China was willing to maintain contacts with the United States and other members of the UN Security Council on the issue, Li said.

Powell expressed gratitude for China's efforts in facilitating the talks in Beijing on the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The Beijing meeting had been helpful, Powell said, adding the United States was studying the results of the meeting and was willing to maintain contacts with China and other related countries.

Li explained China's stance on the DPRK nuclear issue, saying the Beijing meeting was a good start for the peaceful resolution and the process should continue.

China was willing to promote the peaceful resolution of the issue at an earlier date with joint efforts of all sides, Li said.

The Chinese FM also briefed Powell on China's nationwide fight against SARS and exchanges and cooperation between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits in containing the disease.

Powell said that, just as President Bush told President Hu Jintao in a recent telephone conversation, the United States was paying close attention to China's tremendous efforts in combating the disease and would do what it could to provide assistance.

(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2003)