Hi all...tried to buy today but my order was never executed, maybe the all or none caused that. I'll try again tomorrow, Isn't it about time we got some news!! I'm thinking that with our fingers in as many pies as we have, there should be some news. Speaking of news I'm glad China is taking this position on the terrorism...
BB
Jiang holds telephone talks with Blair, Chirac and Putin
(09/19/2001) (China Daily)
President Jiang Zemin held separate telephone conversations with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac, exchanging views on the international situation after the terrorist attacks on the US.
Jiang told both leaders that the eradication of terrorism as a major menace to the international community can only be achieved with global co-operation, making such an effort both pressing and necessary.
But in talks with Blair, he cautioned that any military action to counter terrorism must be based on concrete evidence with a definite target and should not hurt innocent people in line with the objectives and principles of the UN Charter as well as widely-recognized norms in international laws.
Jiang's telephone conversation with Blair was conducted at the request of his British counterpart.
It is necessary for the UN Security Council to play its due role, Jiang said, adding all actions should help maintain the long-term interests of world peace and development.
Jiang described terrorism as "becoming a prominent threat to world peace and stability and a grave common scourge of the international community," and said the Chinese Government is firmly opposed to any kind of international terrorism.
The terror attacks in New York and Washington last Tuesday have resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians from the US and another 26 countries and regions.
The United Kingdom has reported more than 100 casualties while China has confirmed two civilians died and a score of overseas Chinese are still unaccounted for, according to official data.
Blair told Jiang that it was necessary to trade views between the two nations under such a circumstance. He briefed Jiang on the views of the British side on the issue in the talks.
Jiang said China strongly condemns this horrible act of terrorism, adding that the Chinese people stand side by side with the American and British people as well as the international community on the issue of anti-terrorism.
When talking with Chirac, Jiang said under the current circumstances, relevant sides should "keep calm and deal with relevant issues cautiously." All actions should be conducive to the long-term interests of world peace and development.
Chirac said European countries voiced their support to US following the terrorist attacks. He said all efforts should be made to fight terrorism.
Jiang and Chirac agreed in their talks that China and France will continue to keep close consultation and co-operation on important issues involving global peace and stability.
In his talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin last night, Jiang said the United Nations Security Council should play a full role in the co-operation to fight against terrorism. The five permanent members of the Security Council should enhance dialogue to further efforts in anti-terrorism.
He added that China and Russia hold the same stance and interests when tackling terrorism.
Putin agreed with Jiang, saying the international co-operation mechanism against terrorism should be improved as soon as possible.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao also said yesterday that China is ready to engage in dialogue and consultation with the international community and Washington in the fight against global terrorism.
Zhu confirmed yesterday that Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan was on his way to the United States in a return visit to Powell's trip to China this July.
