China says diplomacy key to ending Iran standoff

Beijing, Feb 27: China today said that diplomacy and peaceful negotiation were the key to ending the standoff over Iran's nuclear programme.

''Our position is consistent,'' Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a news conference. ''We advocate a solution through diplomatic means and peaceful negotiation.'' The five permanent veto-wielding UN Security Council members, the United States, France, Russia, China and Britain, plus Germany met in London yesterday against a background of rising international tension over Iran.

They agreed to work on a new UN Security Council resolution to put pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme but remained committed to seeking a negotiated solution, British officials said.

The West fears Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons but Tehran says the programme is only for electricity.

REUTERS

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