Chinese Ambassador to the UN Wang Guangya reiterated on Tuesday
that the UN Security Council should support the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in dealing with the Iranian nuclear
issue.
"There are still no substantial progress," Wang told Xinhua,
referring to the recent effort made by the members of the UN
Security Council.
"Basically we all believe the task of the council is to maintain
the authority of the IAEA," he said. "However, members are divided
on what role the council should play."
"We need to send a message that the Security Council is
reinforcing the role of the IAEA, not to replace or take it over
from the IAEA," he stressed.
Wang reiterated that China prefers diplomacy to solve the
Iranian nuclear issue instead of pressure or even sanctions against
Iran.
"The situation of the region which Iran belongs to is very
sensitive," he said. "The council should take every precaution when
taking actions."
Wang added that the decision of the council should be helpful to
the peace and stability of the region, as well as the diplomatic
negotiation.
Meanwhile, the Security Council on Tuesday postponed a scheduled
meeting on the Iranian nuclear crisis to a later date in order to
allow France and Britain to make modifications to their latest
version of their draft statement.
(Xinhua News Agency March 22, 2006)
