Jiang, Blair talk about Iraq by phone
( 2003-03-10 00:00 ) (1 )

President Jiang Zemin and British Prime Minister Tony Blair exchanged views on the Iraq issue by phone Sunday afternoon.

According to sources with the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Blair briefed Jiang on the British Government's current stance on the stand-off. Blair said Iraq had blown its last chance to disarm and the United Nations (UN) should take further measures against the country.

Jiang said the UN Security Council heard new reports from the two weapons inspection bodies on Friday, which showed the inspection process has made progress.

He said it is possible to solve the Iraq issue politically within a UN framework, provided weapons inspections are continued and strengthened.

Jiang stressed that the world is facing many problems, and they cannot be solved simply by force. War is no good to any side, he added.

To solve the problem by political means may take more time, but it would cost less and be in the best interests of all parties, he said.

Jiang said he would welcome Blair on his planned visit to China in April.