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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang's Remarks on U.S. National Intelligence Estimate on Iran during Regular Press Conference

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

December 4, 2007

Excerpts

 

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Q: Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Rice, exchanging views over the Iranian nuclear issue. Could you tell us more details?

A: During the phone conversation with US Secretary of State Rice this morning, Foreign Minister Yang reiterated China's consistent position over the issue. He stressed that China upholds the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and hopes to see a peaceful and stable Middle East. A peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiations serves the common interest of the international community including China and the US. We hope relevant parties continue their diplomatic efforts in creating conditions for the resumption of negotiations and maintaining the momentum of talks. China will stay in communication and coordination with other parties including the US and take part in discussions for the proper resolution of the issue in a constructive manner.

Q: It is reported that in his phone conversations with Rice, US Secretary of State and Solana, High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi talked about the report released by the US intelligence authorities which claimed that Iran had suspended its nuclear plans in 2003 but did not stop uranium enrichment activities. What's China's position over a new round of sanctions against Iran? What did Foreign Minister Yang say on the report?

A: China's position on the Iranian nuclear issue is consistent. As I just said, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi reiterated China's position over the issue in his talk with Secretary Rice. We uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, opposing proliferation of nuclear weapons, and look forward to seeing a peaceful and stable Middle East. China urges Iran to earnestly fulfill relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, conduct all-round cooperation with the IAEA and continue to clarify on pending issues. Meanwhile, Iran should stay in communication with the EU, creating favorable conditions for the resumption of negotiations. On the other hand, other parties should remain committed to diplomacy to seek for a lasting, comprehensive, and proper settlement of the issue. Steps taken by the Security Council should be conducive to peacefully resolving this issue through diplomatic negotiations. In their conversation, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Mr. Solana and Secretary Rice agreed to maintain close communication and coordination for a proper resolution of this issue.

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