Chinese FM, US secretary of state discuss Iran nuke issue
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-06-01 12:31
China's Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice discussed the Iran nuclear issue in a telephone conversation on Wednesday
night, said a statement from China's Foreign Ministry.
"Their major topic was how to properly handle the Iran nuclear issue through
diplomatic means," the statement said without elaborating.
Senior representatives from the five permanent members of the United Nations
Security Council and Germany will meet in Vienna on Thursday to discuss the
issue, the ministry said earlier.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Tuesday that
Vice-Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo would attend the meeting, which is expected to
focus on a decision to offer Iran a package of incentives in return for
suspension of its nuclear activities.
The six nations achieved some progress in forming a common position at a
meeting in London last Wednesday.
Meanwhile, France, Germany and Britain, or the EU-3, have been trying to work
out a package of both incentives and possible penalties to persuade Iran to
suspend its nuclear programs.
Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said in Malaysia on Tuesday that
Iran was ready to restart negotiations with the three European countries over
its nuclear enrichment program.
Rice said on Tuesday that the United States was "glad" to learn Iran was
prepared to return to talks.
China has supported a peaceful resolution of the issue through diplomatic
means and negotiations, and has repeatedly urged the parties concerned to take a
constructive attitude to create favorable conditions for the resumption of
negotiations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu said on Tuesday Iran had the right to
the peaceful use of nuclear power as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation
Treaty, but it should also fulfil its corresponding responsibilities and
commitments.
"Iran urgently needs to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy
Agency and regain the confidence of the international community on its nuclear
program," Liu said.
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