China urges Iran nuclear talks diplomatic efforts

A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry in Beijing on Friday called on all relevant parties to step up diplomatic efforts at the upcoming Iran nuclear talks in Kazakhstan.

"China feels happy to see that the P5+1 (the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany) and Iran will hold a new round of talks, the first in nearly eight months," Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing.

The upcoming talks, slated for Feb. 26 in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, have attracted high attention in the international community, as their discussion of Iranian nuclear tensions will usher in a critical stage, Hong said.

Noting that Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu will head the Chinese delegation to attend the talks, the spokesman reiterated that China always holds that dialogue and negotiation is the only right way to properly address issues over Iran.

"The Iranian nuclear issue is complicated and sensitive. We should not only boost our confidence of peacefully solving the issue through talks, but also take an objective and practical attitude," he said.

China hopes all parties will further showcase flexibility and sincerity, seek consensus while narrowing disparities, and push forward the negotiation process, Hong said, urging parties to seize opportunities at the talks.

A positive outcome from the talks will help consolidate the momentum for dialogue and cooperation, and safeguard regional peace and stability, he added, calling for concerted efforts of all relevant parties to make the talks score progress.

According to Hong, "China has made huge efforts and played a positive, constructive role in this regard," and will continue to work with other parties to seek peaceful ways to improve conditions in Iran through diplomatic efforts.

The last talks between Iran and the P5+1 on the latter's nuclear program were held in Moscow in June 2012.