Prior to arriving in Beijing, Annan met with Russian president Yeltsin in Moscow, to discuss how to implement the weapons inspection agreement with Iraq. After discussions in Beijing, he will visit London. In Beijing, Annan told reporters that Iraq's compliance with UN agreements is very important, because only in this way can the Security Council discuss how to lift the sanctions carried out against Iraq since the 1991 Gulf War. However, Qian Qichen also stated that UN weapons inspectors must carry out their task in a fair and reasonable manner. China has consistently opposed the use of force to compel Iraq to comply with UN resolutions.
China hopes that once sanctions are lifted, Iraq can supply China with oil over the long term.
Use your browser's Back button to return to the previous page.