China on Monday called for a peaceful solution through dialogue to
the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
(DPRK).
"We believe that the peaceful resolution of the DPRK nuclear issue
through dialogue is not only in the interests of the countries
concerned, but also conducive to regional peace and stability,"
Zhang Yan, the Chinese permanent representative to the United
Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, told the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"China always maintains that the only correct and effective
approach to the settlement of international disputes and
differences between states is by constructive dialogue,
consultations and sincere cooperation on the basis of equality. The
DPRK nuclear issue is no exception," Zhang said at a special
session of IAEA Board of Governors following the adoption of a
resolution on the DPRK nuclear issue.
The Vienna-based IAEA adopted a resolution on Monday, urging
Pyongyang to comply with its obligations under relevant nuclear
accords. The international nuclear watchdog said it prepares to
report the DPRK nuclear issue to the United Nations Security
Council if Pyongyang does not act.
Zhang said the international community should encourage the parties
concerned to solve the problem through diplomatic and peaceful
means, adding that China has noted the parties concerned have
expressed such a desire.
He
asked the parties concerned to exercise restraint and deal with the
relevant issues with calmness and prudence, refrain from taking any
actions that could further escalate the situation in order to
create favorable conditions for a peaceful solution.
"It is our sincere hope that the parties concerned will proceed
from the larger interest of maintaining peace and stability of the
Korean Peninsula and actively take the initiative to break the
present impasse and create an atmosphere and conditions favorable
for the restoration of dialogue."
Zhang stressed the importance of the 1994 Agreed Framework
concluded between the DPRK and the United States and asked both
countries to honor their commitment.
"The 1994 Agreed Framework ... has played an important role in
preserving the denuclearization of the peninsula and maintaining
its peace and stability. The international community attaches
importance to this agreement.
"Under the present situation, the continued observance of the
Agreed Framework by the parties concerned and the fulfillment of
their commitments made there under are of positive significance for
the relaxation of the situation and the eventual solution of the
DPRK nuclear issue in a manner that is in the interests of all
sides," he added.
Zhang said as a close neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China
always stands for, and actively works toward, the maintenance of
peace and stability of the peninsula, supports the denuclearization
of the peninsula and is opposed to the proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction there.
"We've been following with deep concern the recent development
surrounding the situation of the DPRK nuclear issue and sincerely
hope that this issue will be settled properly through dialogue as
soon as possible so that the Korean Peninsula will truly realize
peace and stability and the countries of this region will be able
to devote themselves to the development of their economy and
improvement of their people's living standards," Zhang said.
He
pledged that the Chinese government will continue to support every
effort and approach contributing to the peaceful solution of the
DPRK nuclear issue.
(People's Daily January 7, 2003)