China calls for fresh talks between Iran, IAEA

TEHRAN,Sept.5(MNA) – China called on Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to try to resolve the outstanding problems regarding Iran’s nuclear issue through dialogue at an early date. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular news briefing on Monday when asked about the disagreement between Iran and the IAEA, Xinhua reported. As a signatory of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran has the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy but should also comply with the relevant obligations, Hong said. China has always maintained that dialogue and cooperation is the only correct solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, he said. Therefore, China has actively taken part in the process of dialogue between Iran and the six major powers (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany) and supported the IAEA in strengthening cooperation with Iran, Hong added. “Relevant parties should give priority to the diplomatic solution in a flexible and pragmatic manner, seeking common ground while shelving differences,” he said. “We also hope (a) new round of talks on the issue can be launched at an early date and promote the dialogue to achieve progress, exploring a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution to the issue step by step,” Hong said.