THE TIMES OF INDIA

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2003

China welcomes US offer to UN on Iraq

AP

BEIJING: An offer by the United States to share Iraq's post-war
reconstruction with the United Nations is in line with the objectives of
China, which has ``actively participated'' in the effort to increase UN
participation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

The new UN resolution, proposed by the United States on Wednesday,
recognizes ``that international support for restoration of conditions of
stability and security is essential to the well-being of the people of
Iraq.''

It would allow American commanders to remain in charge of peacekeeping
operations in Iraq, while incorporating an international infusion of cash
and troops.

``We have actively participated in the endeavor,'' Chinese Foreign Ministry
spokesman Kong Quan said at a regularly scheduled briefing. He didn't
provide details. China's foreign policy is typically cautious, and -
publicly, at least - reluctant to intervene officially in conflicts.

China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council along with the United
States, Russia, Britain and France, all of which wield veto power. Beijing
opposed unilateral American military action in Iraq and said all such
activity should go through the United Nations.

``We have all along stood for the early restoration of stability throughout
Iraq,'' Kong said. ``We have stood for the important growth of the United
Nations in this endeavor.''

US Defense Secretary Donald H Rumsfeld said countries that donate troops and
money in Iraq would have a voice in both civil and military operations
there.

``To the extent countries step up with troops and support and money, they
have a seat at the table,'' Rumsfeld said.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell said the resolution may be ready for
submission to the Security Council next week.

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