China on Friday called on the United Nations Security Council to uphold an objective and impartial stance, create favorable conditions for diplomatic negotiations on and a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, and maintain the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in the Middle East.
Speaking at an open meeting of the UN Security Council on the Iranian nuclear issue, Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said that the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran had once eased tensions in the Middle East, but the current ceasefire situation has seen renewed volatility, with the prospects for negotiations becoming complicated.
Whether the Iranian nuclear issue can be properly resolved concerns whether the Middle East can return to peace and stability, and concerns the common interests of the international community. The relevant parties should advance negotiations with a rational and pragmatic attitude, Sun said.
The U.S.-Iran MoU commits to respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, permanently halting military activities on all fronts, and setting out a roadmap for negotiations and the lifting of sanctions. China urges all relevant parties to remove destabilizing factors, abandon using or threatening to use force, uphold and implement the outcomes of the MoU, reach a solution that addresses the concerns of all sides, lift sanctions against Iran as soon as possible, and push for substantive progress in the political settlement process, he said.
To properly address the Iranian nuclear issue, it is essential to respect the legitimate demands and lawful rights and interests of the parties concerned. Iran should continue to uphold its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. Iran enjoys the legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The United States should take practical actions to create conditions for a political resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, Sun noted.
"The immediate priority for the Security Council is to uphold an objective and impartial stance, buy time and space for diplomatic efforts, foster a positive atmosphere for negotiations, and avoid becoming a tool for individual countries to advance their own political agendas or exert pressure," said Sun.
China calls for upholding ceasefire at UN Security Council meeting on Iran nuclear issue
