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On the afternoon of November 20, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference and answered questions on China-Japan-ROK Leaders' Meeting, China-Japan Leaders' Meeting, China-EU Leaders' Meeting, the signing of the ASEAN Charter, and Baradei's Report on the Iranian nuclear issue and etc.

Liu: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, I will start with an announcement.

At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council, Mr. Jose Socrates, Prime Minister of Portugal, which holds EU's rotating presidency, and Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso, Chair of the European Commission will attend the Tenth China-EU Leaders' Meeting in Beijing on November 28.

Now the floor is open.

Q: How does China evaluate the report on the Iranian nuclear issue which was just submitted by Mr. Baradei, Director General of IAEA? And can you comment on the remarks of some US officials criticizing China for not being active enough on the Iranian nuclear issue when it could have played a greater role?

A: China is now studying carefully Director General Baradei's report on the Iranian nuclear issue. Our first impression will be, it is quite objective and professional. We applaud the efforts of IAEA and its Director General. China has taken note that according to the report, some progress has been made on the unsettled issues between IAEA and Iran, and Iran has certain cooperation with IAEA, yet, Iran has not suspended its uranium enrichment activities as required by relevant Security Council resolutions. China hopes that Iran will faithfully implement relevant resolutions of the Security Council, and continue to cooperate with IAEA so as to solve the unsettled issues comprehensively at an early date and defuse concerns of the international community. China also hopes that other parties concerned remain committed to diplomatic efforts and create conditions for an early resumption of negotiations.

On your second question, we have also taken note of some criticisms or even accusations of China on the Iranian nuclear issue. They are neither true nor helpful. China has been committed to safeguarding the international non-proliferation regime, and working on relevant parties for peaceful talks in its own way and promoting the peaceful resolution of Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiations. China has taken part in consultations over relevant Security Council resolutions in an active and responsible manner, and has strictly implemented relevant resolutions. China's effort on a proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue is widely recognized.

When it comes to the Iranian nuclear issue, China and the US share the identical goal of safeguarding the international non-proliferation regime, and both countries believe that the Iranian nuclear issue should be solved through dialogues and negotiations. It is natural that the two countries cannot agree on all the issues. It will be helpful if there are more constructive cooperation and fewer accusations.

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Q: Why did China refuse to attend the Political Director-Generals meeting over the Iranian nuclear issue which was scheduled in Brussels yesterday?

A: Due to the arrangement of schedule, China's competent officials could not attend the meeting you mentioned. We hope parties strengthen coordination in the future so as to find a time convenient to all.

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