On February 26th , Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan had a phone conversation with Norwegian Foreign Minister Thorbjoern Jagland, during which they exchanged views on such issues as Sino- Norwegian relations, cooperation between the two countries within the UN and easing the humanitarian difficulties in Iraq. Mr. Jagland spoke highly of the bilateral relations and the important role China plays in the world. On the question of Iraq, Mr. Jagland said that Norway maintains that the sanctions against Iraq should not hurt innocent civilians. As chairman of the 661 Committee, Norway is prepared to put forward concrete proposals. Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan appreciated the efforts by Norway to bring down the negative effects of sanctions against Iraq. He said that China was greatly concerned over the deteriorating humanitarian situations in Iraq. The Security Council should fairly and objectively evaluate the implementation of the relevant resolutions by Iraq, leading gradually to the final lifting of the sanctions against Iraq.