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FM spokesman: China calls for prompt return of UN inspectors to Iraq
( 2002-10-30 10:29 ) (7 )

China believes the UN Security Council should decide how to handle Iraq only after inspectors have visited to search for weapons of mass destruction, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao, speaking at a news conference, didn't respond directly when asked whether China supported France's proposal for a council meeting to settle differences on how to disarm Iraq. But he repeated China's insistence on having inspectors visit before deciding what to do.

The United States is pressing for a resolution that some council members believe would authorize military force if Saddam Hussein fails to comply with inspectors.

"Our position on this has always been clear," Liu said. "In our view, the most important thing to solve the Iraqi issue is to allow as quickly as possible the return of the UN inspectors to Iraq.

"This is an indispensable step," he said. "And according to the results of the inspections, it's up to the UN Security Council to look at the next step to be taken."

All 15 members of the council say they want inspectors back in Iraq quickly, now that Baghdad has agreed to their return after nearly four years. But fundamental differences remain over how tough a new inspections regime should be.

China, France and Russia — all permanent council members with veto power — oppose approving military action before Iraq's willingness to cooperate with inspectors can be tested.

Should Iraq obstruct the inspections, the three powerful members envision a second resolution dealing with consequences. France and Russia have circulated rival proposals but have not formally introduced them in the council.