Draft resolution of possible sanctions against Syria

    China makes careful study on a draft resolution about possible sanctions against Syria and supports the UN-authorized inquiry commission to find out the truth at an early date, said Kong.

    "China is conducting careful study on the draft resolution and keeping contacts with parties concerned," Kong said.

    The United States, Britain and France circulated a draft Security Council resolution late Tuesday, calling on Syria to cooperate in the investigation of the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri or face UN sanctions.

    Kong said China attaches great importance to the resolution and supports the inquiry commission to go on with its investigation and find out the truth as soon as possible.

    "At the same time, all parties concerned should cooperate with each other on the issue," said Kong, adding that any action of the UN Security Council should be conducive to the final results of the investigation.

    The UN Security Council held its first round of consultations late Wednesday on the draft introduced by the United States, Britain and France yet failed to reach consensus.

    New round of six-party talks

    Kong urged all parties concerned to make preparations for the coming fifth round of six-party talks.

    The pressing matter of the moment is to implement all principles and agreements stated in the common document reached at the fourth round of six-party talks and move forward on the course set by the previous round of talks so as to make new achievements at the new round of talks, Kong said.

    All parties exchanged views on various issues of common concern at the fourth-round of six-party talks, which concluded on Sept. 19 in Beijing.

    Kong said that a specific date for the coming round of talks has not to be decided by all parties concerned. China, which holds the chairmanship, is discussing with parties concerned for fixing the definite date.

    Kong expressed the hope that all parties concerned would stick to their commitment as agreed in the common document, namely, making joint efforts to bring about enduring peace and stability in northeast Asia. Parties "directly concerned" will sit by the bargaining table to discuss the establishment of a mechanism for permanent peace on the Korean peninsula.

    Referring to the visit of Li Bin, Chinese envoy in charge of Korean Peninsula affairs, to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK), the spokesman said that Li had visited the DPRK, and held talks with Christopher Hill, head of the US delegation to the six-party talks, during his visit to the United States. He will visit ROK soon.

    China, Russia PMs meet

    The Chinese and Russian prime ministers will summarize the achievements of the regular Sino-Russian Prime Ministers' Meeting in the past decade, Kong said.

    Kong said that the Chinese and Russian ministers will make a special review of the progress of the agreement achieved in the 9th regular Sino-Russian Prime Ministers' Meeting and the Sino-Russian Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation

    Economic and trade affairs top the meeting's agenda as enhancing cooperation of mutual benefits is a major part of the China-Russia strategic partnership, Kong said, adding that bilateral trade volume of 2004 exceeded 20 billion US dollars for the first time.

    But such a trade volume is far from enough and much room is left for further development, Kong said that the two ministers will meet to exchange views on further expanding cooperation channels and fields so as to achieve common growth and prosperity.

    The two ministers will also exchange opinions on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues, Kong said.

    China and Russia maintain frequent dialogue, consultation and cooperation and will do the same during the informal summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) from Nov. 18 to 19, in order to push forward APEC's progress and contribute to regional economic improvement such as trade and investment, Kong told the press.

    At the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Yefimovich Fradkov will pay an official visit to China from Nov. 3 to 4. to hold the 10th Sino-Russian Prime Ministers' Meeting with Wen.

    Before the meeting, Vice-Premier Wu Yi will hold the 9th Session of the Committee of the Sino-Russian Prime Ministers' Meeting on Nov.1 with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov who will arrive earlier.

    Kong said Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili will hold the 6th Session of Sino-Russian Cooperation Committee on Education, Culture, Public Health and Sports with Zhukov on Oct. 31.