President Hu Jintao spoke to the French president,
Jacques Chirac, on the telephone on Sunday.?He said that
China and France share similar views on international issues
and should make joint efforts to promote the resolution of the Iraq
issue and the peace process in the Middle East region.
Hu said he supports the efforts made by three EU
states, France, Germany and the UK, to continue talks with Iran on
a long-term resolution to the nuclear issue. China will continue to
play a constructive role in this.
He also expressed concern about the unstable
situation in Iraq. The recent conference that reached consensus on
reconstruction reflected support from the international community
for peace in the country.
Hu said China supports the Middle East peace
process and that UN resolutions should be complied with and
negotiations based on the principle of ‘land for peace.’ He hoped
the Palestinian election will proceed successfully.
Chirac spoke positively on the remarkable results
achieved through friendly cooperation in various fields between the
two nations. He said he hoped they can maintain the momentum of
mutual visits and continue strengthening exchanges and
cooperation.
(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2004)