Negotiations are the best way to resolve the dispute over Iran's
nuclear program and China supports efforts to continue the contact
between Iran and the European Union (EU), the Chinese top envoy in
Vienna said on Wednesday.
Addressing a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA), Tang Guoqiang, China's permanent representative to the
United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna,
said the current situation regarding the nuclear issue is delicate
and could worsen if not handled properly.
The IAEA governing board is meeting in Vienna to discuss a deal
reached last month between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog that
demands Iran answer outstanding questions about its nuclear
program.
The UN Security Council has imposed sanctions on Tehran for its
failure to suspend uranium enrichment activities, which Western
nations suspect are a cover for efforts to develop nuclear
weapons.
Negotiations aimed at resolving the issue peacefully are the
best choice and meet the interests of all parties concerned, Tang
said.
China welcomes the progress made in talks between Iran and the
UN's nuclear watchdog, and currently urgent work needs to be done
to boost the cooperation between the two sides in implementing the
work plans, he said.
Continuing the dialogue between Iran and the EU, which is a
major part of diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations, helps both
sides understand their respective concerns and clarify relevant
issues, Tang said.
China will continue working to push for a solution to the
nuclear issue through negotiations, he said.
(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2007)
