China backs UN leading role in relief
By Zhao Huanxin (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-01-07 01:32

China wholeheartedly endorses the United Nations playing a leading and co-ordinating role in disaster relief and reconstruction operations, Premier Wen Jiabao told UN Secretary General Kofi Annan yesterday.

The country is ready to strengthen co-operation with the body for the purpose, he told the UN chief on the sidelines of an emergency summit in the Indonesian capital yesterday.

Wen said China appreciates the UN's vigorous and timely response to the tsunami catastrophe.

"A key factor of the current aid drive is to ensure emergency relief proceeds in efficiently, in good order and under sound co-ordination," said the premier.

In addition, reconstruction should be planned to restore normal life in the affected countries as soon as possible, he said.

Annan concurred with Wen's points and spoke highly of China's contribution to the disaster relief.

Wen also met separately with Indian Foreign Minister Jashwant Sinha yesterday.

The premier said China has offered some assistance to India, and will provide more in cash and in kind if necessary.

In addition, the Chinese side is willing to co-operate with the India on disaster relief, reconstruction and prevention.

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