Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan put forth a five-point proposal in Beijing Thursday on the reconstruction of post-war Iraq while meeting with visiting Jalal Al-Talabani, member of the leadership of the Iraqi Governing Council and chairman of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

Tang said that the most pressing task at present is to resume Iraq's stability and normal order, which is also the general concern of the international community including China.

Secondly, the final settlement of the Iraq issue should rely on the Iraqi people. A new Iraqi regime should be established as soon as possible and should be universally representative. The political will and choice of the Iraqi people should be fully respected.

Thirdly, effective UN participation is conducive to the proper settlement of the Iraqi issue and is in conformity with the interests of the Iraqi people.

Fourthly, the legitimate interests of various countries in Iraq should be guaranteed.

Lastly, the Chinese government attaches great importance to and is ready to take a positive role in the economic reconstruction of post-war Iraq.

Tang told Al-Talabani that the establishment of the Iraqi Governing Council not long ago is an important step towards "Iraqi people running Iraq", and China hopes the governing council can shoulder the mission of running the country and creating a good life for the Iraqi people.

Al-Talabani briefed Tang on the current Iraqi situation and spoke highly of China's role in international and regional affairs. He also praised China as Iraqi people's great friend and welcomed China to participate in Iraq's post-war reconstruction.

Al-Talabani and his party, guests of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, are the first Iraqi delegation to visit China after the Iraq war this year.

(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2003)