CHINA: BEIJING: PREMIER LI PENG PRESS CONFERENCE

Описание: (14 Mar 1997) Mandarin/Nat

Chinese Premier Li Peng said Friday that a solution was in sight for a North Korean defector holed up in the South Korean consulate for more than a month.

It was the strongest indication so far from China that negotiations over Hwang Jang Yop may be nearing an end.

Speaking at a press conference following the final session of the eighth National People's Congress, the Premier also spoke on the issue of China's acceptance into the World Trade Organisation, saying that China and the WTO need each other.

Straight from the fifth and last convention of this year's National People's Congress, China's Premier Li Peng spoke with foreign media.

China has been seeking admission into the World Trade Organisation as a means to gain recognition as a world player.

SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin)
China is need of WTO and the WTO is also in need of China I hope the countries concerned will adopt a wise position so to solve this problem at an early date. I can also tell you that China has adequate patience to wait for that day.
SUPER CAPTION: Li Peng, Premier of China

In a response to questions on the defection of North Korean defector Hwang Jang-yop, Li Peng indicated that conditions for a resolution were nearly ripe, and that China has a legitimate role to play in the matter.

SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin)
The Hwang Jang-yop incident took place in China so in accordance with the international laws China is a sovereign state and has jurisdiction over this matter.
SUPER CAPTION: Li Peng, Premier of China

Li Peng said that China does not recognise the right of diplomatic asylum by foreign embassies in China.

The premier said that in handling the issue, China will take into consideration the position of all parties concerned, and that Beijing intended to follow 'the common international practice to properly solve this problem at an early date'.

In response to questions on the connection between China and U-S President Clinton's campaign funds, Premier Li Peng dismissed the allegations against his country.

Li Peng said that China is itself opposed to any country interfering in any other countries internal affairs.

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