China hopes to solve Iranian nuclear issue peacefully

China hopes that the resolution newly adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would help to solve the Iranian nuclear issue quickly and peacefully, a senior Chinese diplomat in Vienna said Friday.

China hopes Iran would further its full cooperation with the IAEA and fulfill its promise in order to solve the outstanding issues as soon as possible, said Zhang Yan, China's permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna.

However, the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy by all countries including Iran should be respected, Zhang said.

China welcomes the progress made by the IAEA in the nuclear inspections in Iran, Zhang said, adding that Iran needs to clarify the issues raised by IAEA head Mohamed ElBaradei.

The IAEA earlier on Friday passed a resolution, which "deplores" Iran's lack of "full, timely and proactive" cooperation.

However, the draft, submitted by France, Britain and Germany, does not threaten to report Iran to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions.

Zhang said China supports IAEA's nuclear inspections in Iran in accordance with relevant international agreements.

He expressed confidence that the Iranian nuclear issue could be resolved peacefully within the IAEA framework through dialogue and cooperation.