China calls for new talks on Iran nuclear issue

UNITED NATIONS - All related parties of the Iran nuclear issue should try to promote a new round of talks as soon as possible, a Chinese envoy to the United Nations said Monday.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the statement at a Security Council meeting on the latest work of 1737 Committee, which is tasked with monitoring a set of sanctions against Iran established by Resolution 1737 and subsequent Council resolutions.

"At present, all parties should seize the opportunity to mobilize the positive factors to start a new round of dialogue as soon as possible. All parties should translate their confidence, adopt practical and flexible approach and properly take care of each other's concerns, and in active manners expand consensus so as to take forward the dialogue," Wang said.

The Iran nuclear issue bears on the authority of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and peace and stability in the Middle East, Wang noted.

Wang held that sanction is not the fundamental objective of the resolution, stressing that resolving the issue through dialogue and negotiation is "the only right, viable path."

"As for the alleged violations, the investigations and handling should be based on clear facts and hard evidence," Wang said, referring to the work of the 1737 Committee.

"China has always opposed to the use and threat of use of force, we are not in favor of increased pressure or new sanctions against Iran," Wang added.

"Iran should maintain and strengthen dialogue and cooperation with IAEA, so as to reach agreement on settlement of pending issues," he said.

Major Western powers suspect Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons through its nuclear program, which Tehran insists is for civilian purposes only. The UN Security Council has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Iran since 2006, including a ban on all items which could contribute to the Middle East country's enrichment of uranium, and arms sales and a freeze on assets.

The last high-level talks between Iran and the P5+1 powers -- Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States plus Germany -- were held in the Kazakh city of Almaty in April, with no practical results.

Wang said that China has maintained an objective, just and responsible approach and has made contributions for maintaining and taking forward the dialogue process.

"China will continue to work with all sides and all parties to make its constructive efforts in solving this issue through diplomatic means," added Wang.