Annan says Iran has right to nuclear energy
Speaking at a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in Madrid, Annan said: "Of course Iran has the right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, but of course it must also comply with all its obligations under the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty."
"The simple and truthful solution would be to reassure the international community, give them that confidence, that its purpose is peaceful," he said.
Annan said that no nation wanted to deprive Iran of peacefully using nuclear energy since it has said it has no intention to develop nuclear weapons. The most important thing, he added, was for both sides to be sitting at the negotiating table. Zapatero said the solution depended on Iran "bringing guarantees to the international community, and the community establishing controls that are acceptable to Iran."
"The situation can only have one solution: reaching an agreement with Iran," said Zapatero. Iran must respect international norms, while the international community should find a solution that did not disturb international order.
Japan and Saudi Arabia call for nuclear-free Middle East
Japan and Saudi Arabia called Thursday for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and urged diplomacy to end the row over Iran's atomic program, AFP reported.
Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, who is also defense minister, and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi issued the joint call after talks in Tokyo. The Saudi prince and Koizumi "confirmed the importance of supporting the international diplomatic efforts which aim at non-proliferation of nuclear weapons as well as working for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue."
Japan has close relations with both Saudi Arabia and Iran, its first and third biggest oil suppliers respectively.
In February Japan hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki in hopes that Tokyo could use its warm ties with both Washington and Tehran.
"It is important for (Iran) to walk on a path that does not lead to its isolation," Koizumi told the prince, as quoted by a Japanese official.
The Saudi Arabian prince was quoted by the official as telling Koizumi it was important to strengthen international cooperation in solving the Iranian nuclear row.
China continues efforts to settle Iran nuclear case peacefully
China, a permanent member of the UNSC and a rotatory head, is still trying to settle Iran's nuclear case peacefully, a senior Chinese official said on Friday, IRNA reported.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao made the remark in response to a question on his country's role in settling issues of Iraq, the Middle East, South Asia, and Iran.
China stresses that Iran's nuclear case should be settled through diplomatic channels and within the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Liu added China, as the rotatory head of the Security Council, plays its role in establishing peace and making progress in the world and resolve key international issues.
Beijing strives to help hold peace talks in the Middle East and settle Iran's nuclear case through negotiation, he said.
Iran nuclear program not diverted, says ElBaradei
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei said on Thursday night his agency has not seen any indication that nuclear material in Iran has been diverted or is being diverted to develop nuclear weapons.
ElBaradei made the remark in a joint press conference with Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos.
There is still time for negotiation, diplomacy, and preventing the Security Council from imposing sanctions against Iran, he added.
Asked about recent statement of the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton, who said Iran has just two chances before Security Council sanctions, ElBaradei said he does not understand such remarks.
The UN nuclear watchdog head, however, added the U.S. ambassador has the right to express his opinion.