UNITED NATIONS, March 15, 2006 -- China supports creating the new UN Human Rights Council, and strengthening the UN role in the field of human rights, Zhang Yishan, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said on Wednesday.

Addressing the UN General Assembly after the adoption of the resolution to set up the new UN Human Rights Council, Zhang said the creation of Human Rights Council marks a historic moment.

"The international community and people all over the world lay great expectations on the council," he observed. "They all hope that the council will play its due role, and enhance more effectively all human rights and fundamental freedoms at global level."

Zhang pointed out that the draft resolution emphasizes that civil, political, economic, social, cultural and the right to development are interlinked and equally important.

He stressed that the draft resolution indicates that the human rights issue should be dealt with in an impartial and non-selective manner to avoid double standards and politicization, and promote genuine interactive dialogue and cooperation in the field of human rights.

"The above principles shall become the guidelines for the future work of the council so as to avoid the reoccurrence of political confrontation at the Commission on Human Rights," the Chinese ambassador declared.

However, he also made it clear that the draft resolution has failed to fully reflect the concerns of many developing countries, including China, over some issues.

"First, it does not provide effective guarantee to prevent the political confrontation caused by the country specific resolution, which has become a chronic disease of the Commission on Human Rights," Zhang noted.

"Second, the universal periodic review to be developed by the council may overlap with the work of human rights treaty bodies and special mechanisms, thus increasing report burdens for developing countries," he said.

"Third, according to our understanding, recommendations by the council are limited to the General Assembly," Zhang added.

He said the Chinese side will further express its above concerns during further consultations after the council is established.

Zhang finally promised that China is ready to adopt an active and open attitude, cooperate closely with all other parties, and take a vigorous part in the work of the council.