China has urged Iran to give a positive response to the six-nation nuclear package aimed at solving the country's nuclear issue. 

"China is always in favor of a peaceful solution to the issue by diplomatic negotiations and calls on all sides concerned to resume talks as soon as possible," visiting Assistant Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai said after his meeting with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani Tuesday evening. 

"So China hopes that Iran will seize the opportunity to respond to the package in a positive way," the Chinese envoy said. "At the same time China also hopes the other side will take necessary actions to pave the way for resumption of negotiations."  

 

On June 6, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana presented Iran with a package agreed on by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- the US, Russia, China, France and the UK -- plus Germany concerning the nuclear issue.

 

The proposal includes both incentives aimed at persuading Iran to suspend uranium enrichment and possible sanctions if they don't comply. Iran has promised to give an official response by August 22.

 

Cui, who arrived in Tehran late Monday, met with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Tuesday morning. 

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2006)