China calls on Iran to cooperate with IAEA

Beijing, Mar 6: China called on Iran today to step up its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, as world powers raise pressure on Tehran to curtain its nuclear programme.

China is facing pressure from Washington and other Western capitals to back a stronger UN Security Council resolution against Iran.

''We call on Iran to step up cooperation with the IAEA,'' Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told a news conference on the sidelines of China's parliament.

But he repeated China's line that dialogue and negotiation should be favoured over sanctions to urge Iran to rein in its nuclear programme, which the West fears could be used to make weapons.

Iran rejects suspicions that it is trying to master nuclear bomb technology under the cover of a civilian atomic energy programme, saying it only wants to generate electricity.

''We hope all international efforts will be conducive to the early resumption of diplomatic negotiation to resolve the Iran nuclear issue,'' Li said.

''Any actions taken by the United Nations should be conducive to the promotion of regional stability.''

Reuters

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