Crunch talks in Bonn to solve the potentially explosive issue of
who rules Afghanistan following the collapse of the Taliban were
yesterday welcomed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
The ministry's spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue called it "an important
endeavor to achieve ethnic reconciliation in Afghanistan."
She stressed again the United
Nations and the international community should work together to
support all sides in the war-torn country to reach consensus on the
make-up of a future government.
"China is willing to continue to work with related parties and make
constructive efforts for the comprehensive resolution of the Afghan
issue," she said.
Zhang also focused on growing reports that the United States may
expand its attacks against terrorism to other countries.
She said China backs efforts to crack down on terrorism but
insisted any attacks should be carried out only with conclusive
evidence, against specific targets and avoids civilian
casualties.
In
a related development, Zhang said China and Russia would conduct
vice-ministerial level consultations on anti-terrorism today and
tomorrow.
The spokeswoman yesterday promised China would provide humanitarian
assistance to Afghan refugees in Iran.
China is consulting with the Iranian Government on the details of
aid materials and transportation.
"The international community should pay close attention to the
conditions of the Afghan refugees and enhance assistance," she
said.
(China Daily November
28, 2001)