DATE=1/6/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHINA-IRAQ (L-O)
NUMBER=2-257831
BYLINE=STEPHANIE HO
DATELINE=BEIJING
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  The deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Tariq Aziz, is in 
China to discuss last month's United Nations resolution on 
sanctions against his country.  V-O-A's Stephanie Ho reports 
from Beijing, China is among advocates of an early lifting 
of the penalties imposed on Iraq for its 1990 invasion of 
Kuwait.

TEXT:  China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao says 
Mr. Aziz will meet with Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao and 
Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing Friday.

Mr. Zhu -- speaking through an interpreter -- said the talks 
will focus on the U-N resolution passed last month.

            // ZHU INTERPRETER ACT //

That is, on 17th of December last year, the U-N Security 
Council adopted resolution 12-84. 
 
            // END ACT //

Under this resolution, U-N weapons inspectors could return 
to Iraq and Gulf War sanctions against Baghdad could be 
suspended.  But the Iraqi government must first agree to 
cooperate with a new international arms inspection agency 
that will complete the dismantling of Iraq's weapons of mass 
destruction.

China joined Russia, France and Malaysia in abstaining on 
the 11-to-zero vote.  

Mr. Aziz has dismissed the resolution, saying the proposed 
suspension of sanctions is a trick by the United States and 
Britain to mislead world public opinion.

When asked whether Beijing supports Baghdad, Mr. Zhu said 
Iraq must cooperate fully with the United Nations and 
implement all relevant Security Council Resolutions.

            // ZHU INTERPRETER ACT //

At the same time, as a sovereign country, its sovereignty 
and territorial integrity should (be) respected by the 
international community.

            // END ACT //

The Chinese spokesman added that Beijing feels the 
international community should make a fair and objective 
evaluation, and gradually ease the sanctions against Iraq.

Mr. Aziz's China trip includes the southern cities of 
Shenzhen and Sanya.  Afterwards, official Iraqi media 
reports say he will travel to Malaysia.  (signed)

NEB/HO/FC 



06-Jan-2000 06:08 AM EDT (06-Jan-2000 1108 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.