China demands decision on Iranian talks venue

China on Friday called on all parties concerned to enhance communication, show flexibility and reach agreement on the venue for upcoming nuclear talks between Iran and six international mediators.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular press briefing.

According to media reports, Iran and six world powers -- the United States, Britain, France, Russia, and China, plus Germany, also known as P5+1 -- have agreed to resume their stalled talks over Tehran's controversial nuclear program on April 14. However, the venue has not yet been decided upon.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said last week that the six world powers and Iran had agreed on meeting in Istanbul, but Iran's Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi said Wednesday that China and Iraq are also considered by Tehran as venues for the talks.

"The venue is not the most important issue," said Hong. "The crucial point is that Iran and the P5+1 should launch a constructive and sustained dialogue as soon as possible and be committed to seeking a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution for Iran's nuclear issue."

The resumption of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program comes after a deadlock of over a year since the last round of talks, held in Istanbul in January 2011, ended in vain.