China objective on Iran's nuclear issue

TEHRAN - China's top legislator Wu Bangguo said here on Tuesday that China has always held a fair and objective stance on the Iranian nuclear issue and is opposed to the research, development and possession of nuclear weapon by any Middle East country.

Meanwhile, China believes that a country's right for the peaceful use of nuclear power should be guaranteed according to relative regulations, Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, said when meeting here with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

China has always believed that dialogue and cooperation are the right way to properly settle the Iranian nuclear issue, Wu said, adding that China opposes indulging in slapping sanctions, mounting pressure and even intimidating with force in dealing with the issue, and that it is willing to continue playing a constructive role in the peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue.

China hopes Iran stick to peaceful negotiations and continue to be flexible and pragmatic, so as to push for substantial progresses in its talks with the six countries (P5+1: the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany), Wu noted.

On bilateral relations, Wu said that developing the Sino-Iranian friendly and cooperative ties is not only in accordance with the fundamental benefits of the two countries and their peoples, but also conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

For his part, Ahmadinejad briefed Wu Tehran's standpoint regarding the nuclear issue. He said that Iran hopes to settle the issue through dialogue and cooperation and will stay in touch with all concerned sides.

He also said that Iran is ready to deepen its ties with China and continue to expand its practical cooperation with China in economy, trade, energy, agriculture and infrastructure.

Wu, who is on a four-nation tour, arrived here Sunday for a four-day visit. He will also go to Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Fiji.