China eyes progress of Iran nuke issue solution

BEIJING - China on Tuesday called on Iran to strengthen dialogue with the G5+1 (Russia, China, Britain, France, the US and Germany) and make substantial progress in finding a win-win solution to the nuclear issue.

"Diplomatic and political progress to solve the Iranian nuclear issue is facing new opportunities," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular press briefing here on Tuesday.

Hong made the remarks while commenting the reiteration of the Iranian government on Monday of their desire to solve the nuclear issue.

Head of Iranian Atomic Energy Organization Ali Akbar Salehi told a general conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran's new government was ready to sit down with other sides to put an end to doubts surrounding its nuclear plans through mutual goodwill.

Salehi said Iran was optimistic about the latest round of talks with international partners scheduled for September 27, adding that Iran would never give up its right to develop a peaceful nuclear program.

"China has noticed Iran's position. China always advocates that Iran should implement the international obligation of nuclear non-proliferation, and at the same time, is entitled to peaceful utilization of nuclear energy." Hong said.

He noted that China hoped Iran could enhance pragmatic dialogue with the G5+1 and try to make substantial progress in finding a comprehensive, long-term and appropriate solution to the nuclear issue.