Chinese President Urges Unity in Terrorism Fight

President Jiang Zemin has called on the international community to unite to fight terrorism and safeguard world peace.

"After the wartime chaos of the last century, people in the world were thirsty for peace. The American tragedy, occurring at the start of the new century, has caused deep sorrow," the China News Service quoted Mr Jiang as saying.

Vice-Premier Qian Qichen also assured US Secretary of State Colin Powell that Beijing would co-operate in fighting terrorism. Mr Qian promised "enhanced co-operation" with Washington.

"We have constantly opposed any kind of terrorism and we believe that the fight against terrorism needs the co-operation of the international community," Mr Qian told Mr Powell by phone on Thursday night.

Vice-Foreign Minister Wang Guangya said on Thursday that Beijing wanted to be consulted before Washington retaliated.

(chinadaily.com.cn 09/17/2001)