Q: How do you evaluate the visit to China by the Foreign Minister of Yugoslavia? How does China view the Kosovo issue now, and what role will China play in the reconstruction of the FRY?


A: The visit to China by Foreign Minister Jovanovic of Yugoslavia is very successful. During his visit, the two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations, China's participation in the reconstruction in Yugoslavia, the situation in Kosovo and the other issues of common concern, and reached broad consensus. We are confident that the visit is bound to promote the smooth development of China-Yugoslavia relations in the new century.


The Kosovo issue involves ethnic and religious contradictions in a region of Yugoslavia, it is thus very intricate. The use of force by the US-led NATO in a soverign state of Yugoslavia not only severely violated the UN Charter and the norms of the international law, and set an extremely dangerous precedence of interfering in the other country's internal affairs, but also further complicated the situation in the region. Although the UN civilian institution and peace keeping troops have entered Kosovo for more than half a year, the situation there has not yet been stabilized, and nor has the UN Security Council Resolution No. 1244 been earnestly implemented. The Chinese side feels disquiet over it. The Chinese side is of the view that only on the basis of the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the preservation of the legitimate rights and benefits of all nationalities in Kosovo can the political resolution to the Kosovo issue be realized and the UN Security Council Resolution No. 1244 be implemented in real earnest.


The Chinese side deeply sympathizes with the severe damage done to the economy of Yugoslavia by the bombing the US-led NATO, and is impressed by the efforts of the Yugoslavian people to rebuild their homeland by relying on themselves. The Chinese Government supports Chinese enterprises in their efforts to conduct various forms of cooperation with the FRY in accordance with the principles of the market economy, and will actively participate in the reconstruction of Yugoslavia.