The resolution approved by the United Nations Security Council on Saturday is believed to clear the way for encouraging Iran to return to negotiations.

Having failed to respond to the requirements of the Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran has invited the 15-0 vote at the Security Council on demanding it to end all research on uranium enrichment that can produce fuel for nuclear power plants as well as for bombs, and halt all research and development on methods of producing or delivering atomic weapons.

In July, the Security Council passed a resolution demanding a suspension of Iran's nuclear enrichment and reprocessing activities before August 31.

Iran's compliance with this resolution would have to be confirmed by a report requested at the end of September from the IAEA. That Iran has ignored the request and failed to stop its uranium enrichment has disappointed the international community.

After negotiations for two months, the Security Council was resolved on Saturday to act to keep the international nuclear non-proliferation mechanism intact. It is important to defend the authority and the role of the IAEA.

The agency should continue to play a main part in handling Iran's nuclear issue while the Security Council cannot and should not take every piece of it into its hand. The settlement of Iran's nuclear issue counts on diplomacy through all channels, especially the diplomatic efforts outside the council.

Sanctions should not serve as the end of the issue as they cannot tackle the problem at its source.

The thrust of the sanctions is a ban on imports and exports of dangerous materials and technology relating to uranium enrichment, reprocessing and heavy water reactors, as well as ballistic missile delivery systems.

Chinese UN Ambassador Wang Guangya's appeal for patience and restraint from the countries concerned is a call for more diplomatic efforts from the international community and Iran.
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Actions that are prejudicial to diplomacy or even push the events to take a turn for the worse should be avoided.

Negotiations remain to be the best option to settle Iran's nuclear issue. Approaches that are creative and forward-looking are needed to revive the talks.

A peaceful settlement of Iran's nuclear issue is in the interest of all parties concerned. More important, it would save the issue becoming a new source of instability from the Middle East.

Saturday's resolution includes a freeze on financial assets abroad of 12 individuals and 10 organizations from Iran associated with nuclear programs.

The bans would be suspended if Iran suspends its enrichment work and rejoins negotiations. They would be lifted if Iran fully complies with Security Council resolutions and directions from the IAEA.

(China Daily December 25, 2006)