The actions taken by the UN Security Council should help solve the Iran nuclear issue through diplomatic means, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang in Beijing Thursday.

China supported negotiations and diplomatic ways to solve the issue, and the parties involved should give more time and room to the diplomatic efforts, Qin said.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution in late July, urging Tehran to suspend by Aug. 31 all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development, or face possible sanctions.

The five veto-holding members of the Security Council -- the United States, Britain, Russia, China and France -- plus Germany, held a meeting at the French Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, to reach an agreement on the sanctions against Iran for its refusal to suspend sensitive nuclear work.

The United States said "one-on-one" talks with Iran "have been ruled out" unless Iran suspends enrichment and reprocessing activities. France said the need to adopt sanctions was urgent.

Qin also commented on the Iraqi issue, saying China hoped the situation in Iraq would be stabilized soon and the Iraqi people could enjoy peace.

China hoped the Iraqi issue could be solved on the basis of relevant UN resolutions, and the Iraqi people could govern their own country, Qin said.

Source: Xinhua