China calls for tackling root causes of terrorism in Iraq, Syria

The international community should work out a solution to tackle "both symptoms and root causes of terrorism" in Iraq and Syria and give full play to the leading role of the United Nations, a Chinese diplomat said on Monday.

"In the fight against terrorism, military means can only cure the symptoms. Actions must respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the countries concerned to comply with the principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said at an international conference on security and peace in Iraq.

He called on the international community to back a self-directed, orderly political transition in countries of the region and help them ensure conditions for lasting peace and stability.

As the situation in Iraq has posed a serious threat to world peace and security, further coordinated international efforts are needed to support Iraqi authorities, Li added.

"The restoration of peace and stability in Iraq and throughout the region depends not only on Iraqis' own efforts, but also on the assistance of the international community," he said.

The Chinese diplomat also said Iraq's different factions should continuously push for political dialogue and reconciliation and take into account the interests of Iraqi people.

"The international community should support the new Iraqi government and its reforms, provide more humanitarian aid to Iraq, and help the country revive economic process as soon as possible, so as to achieve economic and social development and get rid of poverty, extremism and violence," Li said.

Delegations from 29 countries participated in the Paris meeting, at which they agreed to provide Iraqi authorities with "any means necessary including military assistance" to quell Islamist militants.