The post-war reconstruction of Iraq should aim to ensure the long-term interests of the Iraqi people and a lasting peace and stability in the Middle East region, a senior Chinese diplomat said here Tuesday.

Addressing the Technical Consultation on Reconstruction Needs for Iraq, Shen Guofang, assistant foreign minister of China, said the reconstruction course should adhere to the principles established in Security Council Resolution 1483.

"Resolution 1483 offers a basic framework for Iraq's post-war reconstruction and stresses the fundamental principles for resolving the Iraq issue," he said, listing the principles as maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, respecting the independent will of the people and giving full play to the important role for the United Nations.

Shen said that as a precondition of Iraq's reconstruction, law and order in Iraq should be restored as early as possible by concerted efforts of all parties.

"The Iraqi people should be allowed to be the master of their own destiny and shape their own future," he said, adding that the international community should be actively involved in the launching of the political process.

He said that the humanitarian relief is the most urgent task, infrastructure development is the top priority, and the role of the UN is an important guarantee for the reconstruction endeavor.

"It won't succeed without coordinated and concerted efforts of all countries, international agencies and, above all, the important role of the United Nations," he said. "It is of critical importance in Iraqi reconstruction to bring into full play the enthusiasm of all parties and encourage and ensure their equal participation."

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