|
The Iranian nuclear issue should be handled in a pragmatic and prudent manner so as to create favorable conditions for the resolution of the issue, Chinese ambassador to the United Nations and other organizations in Vienna, Zhang Yan, said Wednesday.
It is of utmost importance to solve the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue, consultation, cooperation and coordination among the parties concerned, Zhang told a board of governors meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"We hope to see the parties take further necessary measures and continue to increase full cooperation so as to solve the issue in a proper manner," Zhang said.
He said recent indications by Iran that it would positively consider concluding an additional protocol should be welcomed and encouraged.
Such a move will help dispel the international community's suspicions and facilitate Iran's international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the long run, he added.
An additional protocol is an important complement to safeguards agreements and of great significance to increasing the effectiveness and improving the efficiency of the safeguards system, he said.
China has always supported the objectives of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the IAEA's statute, and China was the first nuclear weapon state to ratify an additional protocol, the Chinese ambassador said.
"We call on other countries, particularly countries with significant nuclear activities, to sign, ratify and implement additional protocols as soon as possible," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2003)
|
