British envoy in China for Iraq talks

A British envoy met Chinese officials in Beijing today hoping to build international support for a new UN resolution compelling Iraq to disarm or face military action.

There were no immediate reports on the presentation made by William Ehrman, deputy under-secretary of state for defence and national security.

China’s Foreign Ministry said Mr Ehrman was due to meet Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya.

The US and British-backed resolution demands that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein reveal all his weapons of mass destruction and give UN inspectors total access to sites.

“All necessary means” could be used against him if he fails, a draft of the resolution says.

China, Russia and France have opposed the use of force against Iraq, instead urging the speedy return of UN arms inspectors.

As one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China can veto any new resolution.

Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji has also expressed support for a separate French proposal for a two-phase resolution on Iraq that would delay UN approval of military action.