As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China, along with the international community, would play a positive role in easing the tense situation and promoting an early resolution of problems, Tang said.

Tang said China had always been concerned by the Iraq issue and was making unremitting efforts to urge the international community to lift sanctions against Iraq at an early date in accordance with Iraq's implementation of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.

Iraq should completely and effectively implement the Security Council resolutions, cooperate with the UN and actively improve relations with its neighbors, Tang said.

The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Iraq should also be respected, the foreign minister added.

According to Tang, the Iraq issue should be solved by political and diplomatic means within the framework of the United Nations.

Sabri briefed Tang on the latest developments of the Iraq issue and the stance adopted by the Iraqi government, as well as the dialogues between Iraq and the UN.

Sabri said there had been some progress in the talks between Iraq and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and the two sides had built initial trust.

Iraq was ready to cooperate with the UN for a complete solution to the Iraq issue, Sabri added.

Sabri expressed his appreciation of China's just stance on the issue, hoping China would play a more important role in realizing an early solution.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern.

The Iraqi foreign minister arrived in China Monday morning for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Chinese counterpart Tang Jiaxuan.

(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2002)