China urges continued talks on Iran nuclear issue

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said in Beijing Monday the Chinese government believes there is still room for a political solution to the Iran nuclear issue.

Tang told visiting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan the Iran nuclear issue concerned the authority and efficiency of the international non-proliferation mechanism.

"It also concerns the peace and stability of the Middle East as well as international energy security," Tang said in their official talks.

"It is pivotal for the relevant parties to continue dialogue and negotiation, to increase trust and find a solution with broad support," he said.

Annan said he expected enhanced coordination and cooperation between the UN and China on the Iran nuclear issue.

He said China's attitude and role were "very important" in solving the issue, which concerned the peace and stability of the Middle East and the world at large.

They also exchanged views on UN reform, the situation in the Middle East and Sudan's Darfur issue.

Source: Xinhua