China urges package deal on Iran's nuke issue

UNITED NATIONS - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called for a package deal on Iran's nuclear issue through dialogues.

Wang made the appeal at a meeting with foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, plus Iran.

The meeting was the first in years between the Iranian top diplomat and the foreign ministers of the six countries tasked to tackle the Iranian nuclear issue.

The countries should make use of the current favorable conditions to push for dialogues and strive for a package deal for an eventual solution to the issue, said Wang.

China has always taken an objective, impartial and responsible stance on the Iranian nuclear issue, and has promoted talks aimed at a peaceful solution, he said.

China will continue to strengthen communication and coordination with the parties concerned and play a constructive role, Wang said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reiterated that his country has no intention to develop nuclear weapons. He expressed willingness to resume talks with the six countries in a brand-new fashion.

He said Iran has the right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and is willing to put all its nuclear activities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. He expressed the hope that the six countries would show flexibility and lift sanctions against his country.

The foreign ministers of the six countries welcomed Iran's promise that it has no intention to develop nuclear weapons. They pledged to find a solution through negotiations and push for substantial progress in dialogues.

The foreign ministers agreed to hold the next round of talks on the Iranian nuclear issue on Oct 15-16 in Geneva.