Diplomacy 'remains the best solution to Iran nuclear issue'

Diplomacy remains the best way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Wang Guangya said on Saturday after the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution with stronger sanctions aimed at pressuring Teheran to suspend uranium enrichment.

"It is impossible to resolve the issue fundamentally by imposing sanctions and pressure only," Wang said in his explanatory remarks to the council. "We wish to call upon all the parties concerned to keep calm, practise restraint, and refrain from any actions that may lead to deterioration or escalation of the tension.

"We are in favor of a peaceful solution to Iran's nuclear issue through political and diplomatic efforts and negotiations," Wang said.

Describing the nuclear issue as "worrisome," Wang expressed disappointment at Teheran's failure to respond positively to the requests of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Security Council.

"Under such circumstances," he said, "we support the Security Council in taking further and appropriate actions to urge Iran to suspend enrichment-related activities, in order to bring the process back to the negotiation track."

The latest UN Security Council resolution, co-sponsored by Britain, France, and Germany, urges Iran to suspend uranium enrichment work "without further delay".

It calls for a ban on Iranian arms exports and a freeze of assets of an additional 28 individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

In the previous resolution, adopted last December, the Security Council ordered all countries to stop supplying Iran with materials and technology that could contribute to its nuclear and missile programs.

The new resolution asks the IAEA to report back in 60 days on whether Iran has suspended enrichment work.

Source: China Daily