China urges sincerity in Iran-5+1 talks
China on Tuesday called on all countries involved in talks over Iran’s nuclear issue to show flexibility, sincerity, and patience.
Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) are scheduled to meet in Istanbul, Turkey, for talks on April 14.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry it is sending a delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu to Turkey for talks, AP reported.
The ministry says China urges all parties to show flexibility and sincerity in the dialogue and remain patient about resolving the issue through negotiation.
Iran and the 5+1 group wrapped up their last round of talks in Istanbul in January 2011 without achieving concrete results.
China has repeatedly called for a settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue.
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on March 6 that his country defends Tehran’s right to access nuclear technology meant for peaceful purposes, according to Reuters.
Yang also reiterated that China opposes unilateral sanctions on Iran.
“On the Iranian nuclear issue, we are opposed to the development and possession of nuclear weapons by any country in the Middle East, including Iran. At the same time, we believe that all countries, while fulfilling their responsibilities and obligations, have the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy,” Yang stated, according to the Voice of America website.
He added, “We oppose unilateral sanctions.”
Iran says all its nuclear activities are totally peaceful, and, as an International Atomic Energy Agency member and a nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty signatory, it has the legal right to produce nuclear fuel for its research reactors and nuclear power plants.
Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) are scheduled to meet in Istanbul, Turkey, for talks on April 14.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry it is sending a delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu to Turkey for talks, AP reported.
The ministry says China urges all parties to show flexibility and sincerity in the dialogue and remain patient about resolving the issue through negotiation.
Iran and the 5+1 group wrapped up their last round of talks in Istanbul in January 2011 without achieving concrete results.
China has repeatedly called for a settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue.
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on March 6 that his country defends Tehran’s right to access nuclear technology meant for peaceful purposes, according to Reuters.
Yang also reiterated that China opposes unilateral sanctions on Iran.
“On the Iranian nuclear issue, we are opposed to the development and possession of nuclear weapons by any country in the Middle East, including Iran. At the same time, we believe that all countries, while fulfilling their responsibilities and obligations, have the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy,” Yang stated, according to the Voice of America website.
He added, “We oppose unilateral sanctions.”
Iran says all its nuclear activities are totally peaceful, and, as an International Atomic Energy Agency member and a nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty signatory, it has the legal right to produce nuclear fuel for its research reactors and nuclear power plants.