Vultures Circle Iraq Now the Hard Work is Done

[swilly]

Beijing has indicated it will try its best to safeguard China's economic interests in Iraq's post-war reconstruction.

Wu Chunhua, Head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of West Asian and North African Affairs, said China wished to "enthusiastically" take part in the reconstruction of Iraq.

The official China News Service on Thursday quoted Wu as saying "we shall try our best to fight for and safeguard China's interests in Iraq's post-war reconstruction."

Wu disclosed the Iraqi government still owed China "a few hundreds of millions of dollars" in debts and other unpaid bills.

He said the Foreign Ministry had already taken steps to protect China's "rights and interests" in the war-torn country.

Chinese officials have the past week reiterated the United Nations -- not the U.S. or U.K. -- should play a central role in Iraq's post-war administration and reconstruction.

However, in line with its generally low-profile stance on U.S. military action in Iraq, China has not taken as strong a stand as fellow permanent members of the United Nations Security Council such as France and Russia.

Beijing will not be represented in a key meeting this weekend in St. Petersburg, where Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Jacques Chirac, and German Chancellor Gerhad Schroeder will map out a common strategy on post-war Iraq.

The three leaders are expected to oppose alleged efforts by the U.S. and U.K. to monopolize matters relating to political and economic developments in the country.

Diplomatic analysts in Beijing said the Chinese government was quietly lobbying the U.S. for a sizeable role in reconstruction and infrastructure projects in Iraq.

Beijing has a long history of participation in civil engineering and other works in Middle East countries, including Iraq.

China has also in the past few years played an active part in the U.N.'s "food for petroleum" program for Baghdad.

The diplomatic analysts said Beijing was also eager to re-establish a reliable supply of petroleum from Iraq.

Sixty percent of China's petroleum imports come from the Middle East and one of Beijing's top priorities is to build up strategic reserves that can last for more than a month.

Funny to see the French/Germans/Russians reckon they have any influence on the rebuilding of Iraq.Leaves a bad taste in the mouth considering, particularly the French, the stance taken before the war.


>>> Edited by swilly on Thursday 10th April 14:46

[d3ano]

cheeky bugger. All of them were against a war and as soon as its over, they want a piece of the pie. I hope the US and UK tell the to fcuk off! in those exact words...haha!

[dick dastardly]

d3ano said: I hope the US and UK tell the to fcuk off! in those exact words...haha!

We are more likely to offer them all they want and then bend over for a stiff one! They didn't want in, we should be happy to keep it that way. Tossers.

[d3ano]

knowing Tony bloody Blair that is what will happen. So all that hard work for nothing. Typical Labour government...

[M@H]

More like Herr Blair will do a deal for the EU presidency seat off the back of it..

Matt.

[swilly]

How about a US/UK reply along the lines of

"Come and get it"

[Hates_]

Let them rebuild it, then UK/US say "Oh we forgot to bomb a few other targets" and then proceed to bomb the rebuilding to bits

[funkihamsta]

This is why the French are so keen to have the UN involved in running the show. Its their only hope...

I doubt they really care about US imperialism, their only fear is that French companies will be shut out of lucrative rebuild contracts if the US has any say, because of their stance.

[dazren]

Absolutely galling. Makes me want to

DAZ