China urges Iran to give positive response (Xinhua) Updated: 2006-08-16 06:54
China on Tuesday urged Iran to give a positive response to a six-nation
nuclear package aimed at solving Iran's nuclear issue, visiting Chinese
Assistant Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai said.
"China is always in favor of a peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear issue by
diplomatic negotiations and calls on all sides concerned to resume talks as soon
as possible," Cui told Xinhua after his meeting with Iran's chief nuclear
negotiator Ali Larijani Tuesday evening.
"So China hopes that Iran will seize the opportunity to respond to the
package in a positive way," the Chinese official said.
"At the same time, China also hopes the other side will take necessary
actions to pave the way for resumption of negotiations," he said.
On June 6, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana presented Iran with a
package agreed on by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council --
the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain, -- plus Germany concerning
the Iranian nuclear issue.
The proposal includes both incentives aimed at persuading Iran to suspend
uranium enrichment and possible sanctions if Iran does not comply. Iran has
promised to give an official response by August 22.
Cui, who arrived here late Monday, also met with Iran's Deputy Foreign
Minister Abbas Araghchi Tuesday morning.
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