China says Iran has right to nuclear technology, opposes unilateral sanctions

TEHRAN,March 7(MNA)--Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Tuesday that his country defends Tehran’s right to access nuclear technology meant for peaceful purposes. Yang, speaking at a news conference held as part of China’s annual parliamentary session, also reiterated that China opposes unilateral sanctions on Iran, Reuters reported. “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.” China has repeatedly called for the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program to be resolved through diplomatic channels. The main bone of contention between Tehran and the West is Iran’s uranium enrichment program. 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.