China says Iran issue impacts world energy security

BEIJING, May 22 (Reuters) Resolving the Iran nuclear issue not only affects West Asia stability but also has an impact on global energy security, Chinese State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan today said, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

The comments came as Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed that Iran should not have nuclear weapons capability.

''It ... concerns the peace and stability of the West Asia as well as international energy security,'' Tang said.

Tang, a senior government adviser, told visiting U.N.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan in their official talks that there was still room for a political solution to the Iran issue.

''It is pivotal for the relevant parties to continue dialogue and negotiation, to increase trust and find a solution with broad support,'' Tang said.

Annan said he expected enhanced coordination and cooperation between the United Nations and China on the Iran nuclear issue.

He said China's attitude and role were ''very important'' in solving the issue, which concerned the peace and stability of the Middle East and the world at large.

Reuters