China to Iran: Boost cooperation with IAEA
CHINA: China Tuesday called on Iran to improve its cooperation with
the UN nuclear watchdog, after the agency said in a report that Tehran
was pressing ahead with its controversial atomic programme.
“We hope Iran will further step up cooperation with the IAEA and
resolve the pending issues at an early date,” foreign ministry spokesman
Ma Zhaoxu told reporters, adding China “appreciated” the efforts of the
nuclear watchdog.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a restricted report
obtained by AFP that it remained concerned about the true nature of the
Islamic republic’s nuclear activities, which Tehran insists are
peaceful. The report said Iran was producing higher-enriched uranium and
noted indications of “past or current undisclosed nuclear-related
activities” including some linked to the development of a nuclear
payload for a missile.
China, a close ally of Iran with significant energy interests in the
Islamic republic, on Tuesday also reiterated its usual call for further
talks to resolve the standoff.
“We hope relevant parties can seize the opportunities, step up
diplomatic efforts and seek an early resumption of dialogue and
negotiations,” Ma said. A spokesman for the US National Security Council
said the IAEA report showed Iran’s “continued failure to comply with its
international obligations and its sustained lack of cooperation”.
Beijing, Tuesday, AFP
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