Thursday, June 21, 2007

Gee, Why Do You Think They Did That


China says cancels debt owed by Iraq
Reuters - Thursday, June 21 11:57 am
BEIJING (Reuters) - China on Thursday forgave Iraq's debt owed to the Chinese government and pledged to help rebuild the country's war-shattered economy.

"China has always been supportive and has participated in the rebuilding of Iraq," foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a regular news conference.
"We will reduce or forgive Iraq's debt on a large scale, and help it to train people in the fields of economics, electrical power, diplomacy and management," Qin said, adding that Chinese companies were also willing to participate in the rebuilding.
He did not elaborate on debt figures.
Commerce Minister Bo Xilai later signed an agreement with Iraqi officials to cancel the debt owed the Chinese government. No details were provided.
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has just begun a week-long trip to China.
Talabani will meet China's President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and top legislator Wu Bangguo.
"We hope Iraq can restore stability, safety and development as soon as possible," Qin said.
China donated 50 million yuan (3.3 million pounds) of aid to Iraq in May, he said.
($1=7.620 Yuan)

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