Tang, who came to NY for the United Nations Security Council session on Iraq, said the latest reports submitted by the chief UN inspectors indicated that arms inspections in Iraq have begun to make substantial progress, and China believes there is no reason for the Security Council to give up inspections.

Meanwhile, he urged Iraq to strengthen its cooperation on substance with the UN inspectors in a more proactive manner.

Tang said China supports the memorandum proposed by the three countries of France, Russia and Germany and the joint statement by the foreign ministers of the three countries. China is not in favor of any new Security Council resolution, particularly one authorizing use of force, he said.

Tang noted many conflicts in the world are not to be resolved by military means, on the contrary, wars can only lead to new problems and unrest. The international community should make the utmost efforts to avoid war either from a humanitarian viewpoint or for the purpose of maintaining regional and world peace and stability.

Ivanov spoke highly of the cooperation between Russia and China, saying he was convinced that there is still the possibility of solving the Iraq issue peacefully.

He stressed that there is no need for the Security Council to adopt any new resolution authorizing the use of force and it is unwise to attempt to solve the issue by war. He said Russia is ready to work together with other countries for a political solution of the Iraq issue within the framework of the United Nations.

Villepin expressed appreciation for China's support to the memorandum and foreign ministers' joint statement of the three countries. He said France was opposed to a new Security Council resolution authorizing use of force since arms inspections in Iraq were making headway.

Straw expressed understanding of China's position and said Britain is willing to keep contact with the Chinese side on the issue.

(Xinhua News Agency March 8, 2003)