China's Hu urges Iran to respond to UN resolution

BEIJING, Jan 5 (Reuters) Chinese President Hu Jintao urged Iran today to ''respond seriously'' to a UN Security Council resolution which imposes sanctions on Tehran's trade in sensitive nuclear materials and technology.

China is a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council, which voted unanimously in December to impose sanctions on Iran's trade in sensitive nuclear materials and technology to try to stop uranium enrichment work that could lead to making bombs.

But Beijing also depends on Tehran for about 12 per cent of its crude oil imports and has urged the resumption of talks to defuse the standoff over Iran's nuclear programme, which Tehran says is for peaceful purposes.

''The unanimous passing of resolution 1737 at the UN reflects the widespread concern in the international community. We hope the Iranian side can make a serious response to it,'' Hu was quoted by state television as telling Iran's visiting nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani today.

''The international community should continue to make diplomatic efforts for the sake of a long-term, comprehensive and appropriate settlement.'' REUTERS AKJ KN1718