Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue Tuesday strongly condemned the latest series of bombings in Iraq, calling the attack against the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Baghdad an "evil event.''

"We sincerely hope that the situation in Iraq can soon be rectified and that the Iraqi people can return to a normal life as soon as possible,'' she said at a regular news briefing.

Zhang also expressed her hope for the safety of international organizations and overseas organs in Iraq.

She reiterated at the briefing that China would not send troops to Iraq. "China in the past has participated in peacekeeping forces of the United Nations but will not get involved in other military actions,'' she said, adding that China does not have any plan nor is there any possibility that China will send troops to Iraq.

Expressing China's deep concern over the situation in Iraq, she said that China hoped the international community would make joint efforts to help bring peace and stability to Iraq as soon as possible.

China has provided Iraq with humanitarian aid and has expressed willingness to participate in Iraq's reconstruction.

Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang announced in his address at the International Donors Conference on Iraqi Reconstruction last Friday that the Chinese government will commit a further 200 million yuan (US$25 million) in aid to help the country alleviate the suffering of its people and rebuild its economy.

He also added that many Chinese companies have in the past built roads, bridges, water conservancy projects and electric power facilities in Iraq and that they have a lot of experience in the country and therefore have some technological advantages in working there.

"The Chinese government will adopt all necessary measures to support these companies in their participation in Iraqi reconstruction,'' Shen said.

China believes that the reconstruction of Iraq should focus on the long-term interests of the Iraqi people, the maintenance of law and order, the sustainable development of Iraq and the establishment of lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Shen stressed, adding that the top priority now is to restore stability, law and order in Iraq.

(China Daily October 29, 2003)