Crunch talks in Bonn to solve the potentially explosive issue of who rules Afghanistan following the collapse of the Taliban were yesterday welcomed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The ministry's spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue called it "an important endeavor to achieve ethnic reconciliation in Afghanistan."

She stressed again the United Nations and the international community should work together to support all sides in the war-torn country to reach consensus on the make-up of a future government.

"China is willing to continue to work with related parties and make constructive efforts for the comprehensive resolution of the Afghan issue," she said.

Zhang also focused on growing reports that the United States may expand its attacks against terrorism to other countries.

She said China backs efforts to crack down on terrorism but insisted any attacks should be carried out only with conclusive evidence, against specific targets and avoids civilian casualties.

In a related development, Zhang said China and Russia would conduct vice-ministerial level consultations on anti-terrorism today and tomorrow.

The spokeswoman yesterday promised China would provide humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees in Iran.

China is consulting with the Iranian Government on the details of aid materials and transportation.

"The international community should pay close attention to the conditions of the Afghan refugees and enhance assistance," she said.

(China Daily November 28, 2001)