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2 May 2003
Mr. Chairman,
DPRK Issue
China stands for maintaining the nuclear-weapon-free status of the Korean
Peninsular, safeguarding peace and stability on the peninsular and resolving the
DPRK nuclear issue peacefully through negotiation. China is not in favour of
DPRK’s withdrawal from NPT and meanwhile believes that the legitimate security
concerns of DPRK should be addressed.
A few days ago, China, the United States and DPRK held talks in Beijing. The
parties stated their positions and propositions on the DPRK nuclear issue,
enhanced their mutual understanding, expressed the desire for a peaceful
resolution and agreed to keep in touch on continued talks through diplomatic
channel.
The DPRK nuclear issue is complex and sensitive. It is our hope that the Beijing
talks will be a beginning towards peacefully resolving the DPRK nuclear issue.
We also hope that the US and DPRK will exercise restraint and demonstrate
sincerity and flexibility.
Middle East Issue
China has all along supported the Middle East peace process and the efforts to
establish a zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction in the
region. On this question, China’s position is as follows:
The Middle East issue should be resolved in a spirit of reconciliation. The
United Nations, and the Security Council in particular, should be supported in
playing an active role in this regard. Parties concerned should earnestly carry
out the agreements and common understanding reached on the basis of relevant UN
resolutions and the principle of “land for peace”.
The initiatives and efforts of countries in the region to establish a Middle
East zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction should be
supported. Practical measures must be taken to promote the establishment of a
Middle East zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction in
accordance with relevant UN General Assembly resolutions and the Resolution on
the Middle East adopted at the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference.
Israel’s accession to the NPT and the placement of all its nuclear facilities
under comprehensive IAEA safeguards are very important to realize the goal of
universal adherence to the NPT in the Middle East.
Mr. Chairman,
According to the provisions of the Final Document of the NPT2000 Review
Conference, the Chinese Delegation has presented to the present PrepCom a
national report on measures taken by the Chinese Government in promoting the
establishment of a Middle East nuclear-weapon-free zone.
China welcomes and supports the official release of the “road map” on April
30th, hoping that Palestine and Israel can seize the favorable opportunity by
taking effective measures and actively coordinate peace making efforts of
parties interested to implement the plan at an early date so that the question
of Palestine can be solved at an early date and lasting peace and stability can
prevail in the Middle East.
China stands ready to work together with the international community in
continued effort for an early establishment of a Middle East zone free nuclear
and other weapons of mass destruction.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
This
material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin
Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of
International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the
opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or
its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2007 by
MIIS.
