China calls for more diplomacy on Iran nuclear issue
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China on Tuesday called on all involved parties to intensify diplomatic efforts to properly address the Iran nuclear issue.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a regular press briefing that China believed there was still room for diplomatic efforts and the parties should work to maintain and promote the process of dialogue and negotiation for a proper resolution of the issue.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is having a four-day meeting on the issue in Vienna, capital of Austria.
Iran had fully cooperated with the IAEA and would continue to cooperate, Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Monday.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said the same day that Russia could consider agreeing to new sanctions against Iran if international diplomatic efforts failed to settle the issue of Iran's nuclear program on condition that the sanctions should not target civilians.
"China insisted on safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation system as well as peace and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf area and would like to continue maintaining communication and coordination with the involved parties on the Iran nuclear issue," Qin said.
He said China's position on this issue was clear and consistent.
Iran has been at the center of an international dispute over its nuclear plans. The United States and Western allies have been accusing Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian program. Iran has denied the accusation and stressed its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.
