China against unilateral sanctions on Iran

Beijing, July 7: China has said that the new sanctions on Iran should not be expanded unilaterally and all relevant parties should continue to work together to create favorable conditions for the resumptions of talks.

"China has already noted that the United States and other parties have unilaterally put in place further sanctions against Iran," China Daily quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang, as saying.

In Jun 2010, the UN Security Council approved sanctions on Iran targeting the country's Revolutionary Guard, ballistic missiles and nuclear-related investments. It was the fourth round of sanctions since 2006.

"China believes that the Security Council resolution should fully, seriously and correctly be enforced and cannot be willfully elaborated on to expand Security Council sanctions measures," Qin added.

The paper stated Qin as repeatedly saying that China believed talks are the best way to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear activities, and called for renewed attempts to bring Iran back to the negotiating table.

Last week, US President Barack Obama signed a bill that would impose tough unilateral sanctions against exports of gasoline and other refined petroleum products to Iran. It also bans US banks from doing business with foreign banks providing services to the country's Revolutionary Guard.

Iran, however, insisted that its nuclear program is for the peaceful generation of electricity but the West suspects it is building nuclear weapons.

ANI