China stresses Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology

January 10, 2006 - 0:0
BEIJING (IRNA) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing here on Monday stressed Iran's right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

In a meeting with visiting Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia and Pacific Affairs, Mehdi Safari, Li voiced his country's support for Iran's talks with the three European states (Germany, France and Britain).

He said Iran's right to use peaceful nuclear technology should be respected.

He stressed that Iran should not miss any opportunity for talks, adding that Iran's peaceful nuclear case must be settled within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Safari, for his part, said Iran is determined to resume nuclear research by domestic intellectuals, academicians and researchers.

"Iran stresses research and development and has invited the IAEA inspectors to remove the seals from research sites," he said.

At the meeting, Li and Safari discussed bilateral relations and highlighted the importance of bolstering technical, industrial and economic cooperation.

The sides also exchanged views on bilateral cooperation in various energy fields particularly in the oil and gas sectors.

China's Deputy Foreign Minister for International Affairs Zhang Ye Sui said on Monday Iran had the right to pursue nuclear technology.

In another meeting with Safari, he said China believed the Iran nuclear issue should be resolved within the framework of the IAEA and was opposed to having it referred to the UN Security Council.

Safari arrived in Beijing Monday to exchange views with Chinese officials on issues of mutual interest as well as some regional and international issues.