Iran framework nuclear agreement applauded

Supporters welcome Mohammad Javad Zarif (C), Iranian Foreign Minister, and member of Iran's nuclear negotiation team with world powers in Lausanne at Tehran's Mehrabad airport, April 3, 2015. [Photo/IC]

BEIJING - World leaders welcomed a framework nuclear agreement clinched Thursday between international brokers and Iran, saying it paves the way for a final comprehensive pact by the end of June.

Foreign ministers of the United States and other major powers -- Britain, France, Russia, China plus Germany -- agreed on parameters to resolve major issues on Iran's nuclear program, following eight-day-long intense negotiations in the Swiss city of Lausanne.

The deal clears the way for negotiations on a final settlement aimed at allaying the West's fears that Iran was seeking to build an atomic bomb.

In return, the US and the European Union (EU) will suspend sanctions on Tehran, with the lifting of all UN Security Council's past sanction resolutions.

Thursday's deal came two days after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hailed the nuclear talks as an "important step" toward a comprehensive agreement and raised a four-point proposal for the next phase of nuclear talks.

The top Chinese diplomat called on all parties to shoulder due responsibility and obligation.

"No agreement is possible without accommodating the core concerns of the various parties," he said, adding that it is important to give play to the role of the UN Security Council.

In a statement, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the framework deal paves the way for a comprehensive joint plan of action to be achieved by June 30.

"That comprehensive agreement will provide for substantial limits on Iran's nuclear program and for the removal of all sanctions," said the statement.

"It will respect Iran's needs and rights while providing assurances to the international community that its nuclear activities will remain exclusively peaceful," it added.

Ban said he believes that a comprehensive, negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue will contribute to peace and stability in the region and enable all countries to cooperate urgently to deal with many serious security challenges they face.