China on Tuesday called for an early restoration of Iraq's sovereignty and greater role of the United Nations in the reconstruction of Iraq.

Addressing the UN Security Council session on Iraq, Chinese deputy permanent representative Zhang Yishan said China wishes to see the early formation of broadly representative interim administration supported by the Iraqi people and that China is in favor of an early launching of the constitutional process led by the Iraqi people.

Zhang said China shared the view of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that the a timetable should be made to ensure the early restoration of Iraq's sovereignty and China looks forward to the day when Iraq will return to the embrace of the international community as a new independent and sovereign member with its policy of good neighborliness.

He expressed great concern over the security situation in Iraq and its negative effects on the restoration of normal life of the Iraqi people and on the international humanitarian relief endeavor.

To achieve security and stability in Iraq is undoubtedly a very important and urgent task, as security is closely linked with reconstruction and development, he said.

"We hope that with the efforts of the parties concerned, law and order will be restored and the security situation will be improved in Iraq as soon as possible," he added.

Zhang expressed the hope that the international conference on the reconstruction of Iraq to be held in October would yield positive results as Iraq, a country that suffered tremendously from years of sanctions and scourge of war, needs the extensive participation and support of the international community in the country's efforts for economic reconstruction.

The Chinese UN envoy called for active and effective role of the UN in the reconstruction of Iraq, both in its political process and economic revival. He said the UN Resolution 1483 should be implemented in a comprehensive manner as the resolution has laid a good foundation of this effort and it has reflected the consensus of the international community.

"The recommendations put forward by the Secretary-General in his report on future role played by the United Nations in Iraq's reconstruction are timely and highly important. The Security Council should give them due attention and careful consideration," he said.

Zhang pledged China's support to Iraq, adding that as one of the first countries to provide humanitarian aid to Iraq, China will continue to render support to the Iraqi people within its ability.

"We are ready to work with other members of the international community to help the Iraqi people in their reconstruction endeavor and ensure an early realization of national stability and development, "he said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 23, 2003)