Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined five key points for the proper resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue during his meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in Beijing on Friday.
The Russian and Iranian deputy foreign ministers were in Beijing to attend a meeting chaired by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu on the same day. Following the meeting, China, Russia, and Iran jointly issued a statement reaffirming that political and diplomatic engagement, along with dialogue, remains the only viable and practical approach to addressing the Iranian nuclear issue.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, described the meeting and its outcome as an important step in the right direction.
Unilateral sanctions will only escalate tensions, while dialogue remains the only viable solution, Wang emphasized.
Wang's five-point proposition is as follows:
First, stay committed to peaceful settlement of disputes through political and diplomatic means, and oppose the use of force and illegal sanctions.
Second, stay committed to balancing rights and responsibilities, and take a holistic approach to the goals of nuclear nonproliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Third, stay committed to the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as the basis for new consensus.
Fourth, stay committed to promoting cooperation through dialogue, and oppose pressing for intervention by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Fifth, stay committed to a step-by-step and reciprocal approach, and seek consensus through consultation.
Ryabkov and Gharibabadi expressed their gratitude to China for hosting the meeting, commended its constructive role, and reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation on the Iranian nuclear issue.
Chinese FM proposes five points on proper settlement of Iranian nuclear issue
Chinese FM proposes five points on proper settlement of Iranian nuclear issue
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.
"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.
Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.
Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.
"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.
Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.
Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.
"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.
Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela
