FM spokesman on Annan's UN reform plan

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Tuesday that China appreciates efforts made by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for promoting mulilateralism and democratization of international relations.

Liu said in a regular press conference that China is studying the 63-page United Nations reform plan issued March 21 by Annan. The report is believed to cover the most wide-ranging changes of the world body since its creation in 1945.

"The report has put forward many important proposals on peace, development, human rights and the UN reform," said the spokesman, adding that China will keep contacts and consultations with all relevant parties in a bid to speed up the reform process.

The report, released in a speech to the 191-member UN General Assembly, proposed rich countries' responsibility to poverty reduction, a new human rights council to replace the existing one,a condemnation of all forms of terrorism and a series of measures on UN reforms.

Liu said China has always supported the UN to enhance its capability in coping with various global threats and challenges through necessary and rational reforms.

He stressed that reforms should give full play to democracy and on the basis of full consultation for the broad consensus among all UN members.

The spokesman also said that the all-round and wide-ranging reforms should be guided by the UN Charter and fully take into consideration of and address concerns of developing countries.

He particularly mentioned the issue to increase input in development for the realization of the UN millennium development goals.