China's Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice discussed the Iran nuclear issue in a telephone
conversation on Wednesday night, according to a statement from the
Chinese Foreign Ministry.
"The main topic of discussion was how to properly handle the Iran
nuclear issue through diplomatic means," the statement read without
giving further details.
Senior representatives from the five permanent members of the
United Nations Security Council and Germany will meet in Vienna on
Thursday to discuss the issue, the ministry had said earlier.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said on Tuesday
that Vice-Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo would attend the meeting,
which is expected to focus on a decision to offer Iran a package of
incentives in return for the suspension of its nuclear
activities.
The six nations achieved some progress in forming a common
position at a meeting in London last Wednesday.
Meanwhile, France, Germany and Britain, or the EU-3, have been
trying to work out a package of both incentives and possible
penalties to persuade Iran to suspend its nuclear programs.
China has supported a peaceful resolution of the issue through
diplomatic means and negotiations, and has repeatedly urged the
parties concerned to take a constructive attitude to create
favorable conditions for the resumption of negotiations.
Liu said that Iran had the right to the peaceful use of nuclear
power as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but it should
also fulfill its corresponding responsibilities and
commitments.
"Iran urgently needs to fully cooperate with the International
Atomic Energy Agency and regain the confidence of the international
community in its nuclear program," Liu said.
(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2006)